Washington, DC – Tonight LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Tina Kotek won the Democratic primary election in the Oregon gubernatorial race. With this victory, she is now on track to become one of the first out lesbian governors in U.S. history, along with Maura Healey who is currently running for governor in Massachusetts. Kotek is the first lesbian to win a statewide primary in Oregon. There are currently only two out LGBTQ governors: Kate Brown in Oregon and Jared Polis in Colorado.
Victory Fund named Kotek a Game Changer candidate, a designation given to congressional and statewide candidates in history-making races, that comes with additional support and services from LGBTQ Victory Fund to ensure they win on Election Day.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement about her win:
“This is a momentous night for Oregon and LGBTQ people across the country. Tina shattered this lavender ceiling because Oregonians are excited and enthusiastic about her vision for a more equitable, accepting future. As Speaker, she delivered real results for her constituents. Now, she is well-positioned to leverage her experience and exceptional qualifications to be Oregon’s next governor. With anti-LGBTQ attacks sweeping the country, her election is not only a rebuke of hate, but a beacon of hope for countless young LGBTQ people looking for inspiration during one of our nation’s darkest times.”
More information about all of 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 openly 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 openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
