I just returned from a trip down south to Jackson! I met and worked with some of Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates (learn more about them here), who are aiming to be some of the first out LGBTQ+ elected officials in Mississippi. I also met up with community leaders in an effort to deepen our partnerships with like-minded organizations. I’m happy to report it was a very successful trip! I’ve included some photos and updates from my travels below.
As a reminder, Mississippi primary elections are on Tuesday, August 8, with a runoff on Tuesday August 29 if no candidate wins with 50% +1. The general election will take place on November 7.
(Fabian Nelson speaking at his fundraiser hosted by leaders of the LGBTQ+ community in Jackson)
Supporting our Spotlight Candidate, Fabian Nelson
Fabian Nelson is running for the Mississippi House of Representatives and stands to be the first and only out LGBTQ+ person elected to the legislature in Mississippi. My trip was book-ended by long strategy meetings with the candidate and his General Consultant, LaDarion Ammons, in which we dove deep into every aspect of the campaign. Over the course of the week, we reviewed fundraising tactics, advertising tactics, worked with VAN and more!
On Saturday, I canvassed with Fabian’s team and we knocked almost 400 doors together in the 90-degree heat. Fabian’s four sons joined us and were very excited to use MiniVAN!
(Canvassing with Fabian Nelson)
Day trip to McComb with endorsed candidate Justin Lofton!
Justin Lofton is running for Pike County Supervisor in District 1, which encompasses most of McComb, about an hour’s drive south of Jackson. He has been running a robust field program, out-working his two opponents by far. With the help of 50 neighborhood-based distributed volunteers, he and his team have already completed two passes of door knocking his targets! Together we reviewed messaging, advertising and more!
In advance of my trip to McComb, I met with the only out elected official serving in Mississippi. We are excited to add two more elected officials to the state!
(With Justin Lofton)
Partner Engagement
While I was in town, I organized meetings with both existing and new partners. In Jackson, I met with folks from ACLU Mississippi, Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund (their new PAC!), HRC Mississippi, and a potential VCB member. Ahead of my trip, I also met with NEA’s staff member who works in Mississippi and the Ascend Fund staff members who lead a coalition table in Mississippi. Ascend Fund connected me with additional partners with whom I’m developing relationships virtually including Mississippi Votes, MS Black Women’s Round Table, and NEW Leadership Mississippi. We’ll continue to engage with these partners to support and recruit candidates in the deep south.
More information about all of Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of out LGBTQ+ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
