Washington, DC – Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed state Representative David Richardson (FL-27) and Lauren Baer (FL-18) in their races for the U.S. Congress. If elected, they would become the first LGBTQ people ever elected to Congress from the state of Florida.
Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statements about the endorsements:
“We are thrilled to announce the endorsements of state Representative David Richardson and Lauren Baer – both of whom are poised to become the first openly LGBTQ people ever elected to Congress from the state of Florida. An unprecedented number of LGBTQ are running for Congress this year – and wins for David and Lauren are critical to tripling representation in the House in 2018.
“David Richardson was the first elected openly gay state legislator in Florida – and has been an outspoken and effective voice for equality since taking office. Whether defending our community against discriminatory ‘bathroom bills,’ removing a long-standing ban on LGBTQ adoption from Florida statute, or championing our community after Pulse, David is always leading the charge on our issues. While always a trailblazer on behalf of equality, David also digs intelligently into issues that affect all our communities, including prison reform and education. That is why Victory Fund is thrilled to endorse David for U.S. Congress, and is committed to helping him win on election day.
“Lauren Baer was inspired to run for office by the extraordinary women in her life and her passion for social justice – a stark contrast to her anti-LGBTQ opponent. Lauren lived the values of acceptance and inclusion throughout her distinguished career in public service – first with the State Department and then the United Nations – and she is determined to lead with those values in the halls of Congress. When elected in November, Lauren will provide a much-needed LGBTQ voice, as a wife and a mother, to the debate on LGBTQ lives in Washington, but additionally fight to create a bright future for all of our children, making government work for working families, and protecting our seniors. Victory Fund is thrilled to endorse Lauren Baer for Congress and excited to support her throughout the campaign.”
Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
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Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBT Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBT elected officials at all levels of government.
