Washington, DC – Tonight all eight LGBTQ+ Victory Fund candidates for the Virginia state legislature won their primary elections, including Danica Roem who would be the first out trans state Senator ever elected in the South and Josh Cole and Rozia Henson who would be the first out LGBTQ+ Black men ever elected to the Virginia legislature. LGBTQ+ representation in the state legislature is now on track to increase from five to eight, a 60% increase.
“Representation is power. Tonight’s wins are a clear sign that despite increased homophobia and transphobia, the LGBTQ+ community refuses to back down. Voters are excited about these candidates’ credentials, priorities and positive visions for the future. Tonight’s results are also a rallying cry to the LGBTQ+ community and our allies to double down in our work to ensure these leaders are successful in November. Our rights depend on it,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
Winning LGBTQ+ State Senate Candidates:
- Adam Ebbin
- Danica Roem
Winning LGBTQ+ State House Candidates:
- Laura Jane Cohen
- Joshua Cole
- Kelly Convirs-Fowler
- Rozia Henson
- Adele McClure
- Mark Sickles
There are currently four out LGBTQ+ members of the state House and one out LGBTQ+ member of the state Senate, according to LGBTQ+ Victory Institute.
More information about Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates.
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LGBTQ+ Victory Fund
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
