Washington, DC – Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed three candidates in their races for governor – with the potential to triple the number of LGBTQ governors in the nation in 2018. The endorsees include Oregon Governor Kate Brown, the first openly LGBTQ elected governor in U.S. history who is up for reelection; Representative Jared Polis, who would become the first openly LGBTQ governor in Colorado; and Maryland state Senator Rich Madaleno, who would become the first openly LGBTQ governor in his state.
“Just one week ago LGBTQ candidates shattered lavender ceilings and broke down barriers across the nation – and we are fired up and determined to expand on those historic victories in 2018,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of Victory Fund. “Oregon Governor Kate Brown remains the only openly LGBTQ person ever elected governor in the United States. But with wins for her, Representative Jared Polis in Colorado, and state Senator Rich Madaleno in Maryland, we can triple LGBTQ representation in the governors’ mansions next year. While it is essential and groundbreaking to have three outstanding LGBTQ candidates running for governor, we know their focus is on improving the lives of residents in their home states. We are thrilled to endorse these three constituent-focused gubernatorial candidates in their 2018 races – and Victory Fund will get to work on their behalf starting now.”
Moodie-Mills also released individual statements about Victory Fund’s endorsements of Oregon Governor Kate Brown, Representative Jared Polis and Maryland state Senator Rich Madaleno. As endorsed gubernatorial candidates, Victory Fund will provide campaign, fundraising and communications support throughout their run for office. All three candidates were endorsed by Victory Fund in previous elections.
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.
