LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate and Florida state Representative Shevrin Jones won his race for the Florida state Senate and became the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to the upper chamber. He will join Jabari Brisport, who almost certainly will win his race for the New York state Senate tonight, in becoming the only out LGBTQ Black men serving in state senates in the U.S. To win his primary in August, Jones had to defeat two anti-LGBTQ opponents and overcome several anti-LGBTQ attacks.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about Jones’ victory:
“Shevrin shattered a long-standing political barrier for LGBTQ candidates in Florida and his victory will resonate far beyond the boundaries of his state. Shevrin will be one of just two Black gay men serving in state senates and his victory is certain to inspire more Black LGBTQ leaders to step up and run themselves. The politics of division and hatred failed in this race and gave way to a government that is more representative of the people it serves.”
Currently just 42 openly LGBTQ state legislators of color are serving nationwide, including 13 openly LGBTQ Black state legislators. On November 3, 60 LGBTQ state legislative candidates of color were on the ballot, including 31 non-incumbents. Of those non-incumbents, 11 are Black.
