Brandon Thomas’ race is still undecided
Washington, DC – Both Torrey Harris and Eddie Mannis won their elections for the Tennessee state House tonight, becoming the first two openly LGBTQ people ever elected to the Tennessee state legislature. The race with Brandon Thomas, another openly LGBTQ state House candidate, is still undecided.
Tennessee was one of just five states in the nation to have never elected an openly LGBTQ person to its state legislature. Currently there are just eight openly LGBTQ elected officials in all of Tennessee.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about the historic victories:
“Twin victories secured a long-elusive political milestone in Tennessee and will pave the way for a more representative state legislature next year. Both Torrey and Eddie sent a clear message that LGBTQ candidates can win in a deep red state while being their authentic selves. Their presence in the state legislature can dilute the most toxic anti-LGBTQ voices and lead to more inclusive legislation.”
Before tonight, the other four states to have never elected an openly LGBTQ state legislator were Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana and Mississippi. Tonight Sarah McBride, Eric Morrison and Marie Pinkney won a seat in the Delaware state legislature and Lyn Frank’s race for the Alaska state House is still undecided.
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LGBTQ Victory Fund
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.
