News

Victory Fund endorses three non-incumbent gay candidates for U.S. House

Victory Fund has endorsed three non-incumbent gay candidates running for U.S. Representative this year:  Providence mayor David Cicilline, North Miami City Councilman Scott Galvin, and Palm Springs mayor Steve Pougnet.

Gov. Lingle's veto stings Hawaii's LGBT community

In response to Gov. Linda Lingle's veto of a sweeping civil unions bill passed by the Hawaii legislature, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund is asking for $10 to support the legislator who spearheaded the bill - openly gay State Rep. Blake Oshiro. 

Out candidates prevail in LGBT "Super Tuesday" elections

Openly LGBT candidates won races literally from coast to coast on Tuesday, with key wins in California, Montana and Maine.  17 of the Victory Fund’s 21 endorsed candidates won their races or advanced to general elections.

Pougnet: It doesn't have to be this way

In a letter to Victory Fund supporters, Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet addresses Rep. Mary Bono Mack's vote against the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and why electing LGBT leaders is crucial in the fight for equality.

Harvey Milk: From Bullhorn to Bully Pulpit

"A fitting lesson this Harvey Milk Day: If we are going to win the freedoms we deserve as Americans, we must use both the bullhorn and the bully pulpit," said Victory Fund President & CEO, Chuck Wolfe, on the legacy of Harvey Milk.

Lesbian set to become Ohio's first out legislator

On May 4, Nickie Antonio won the Democratic primary in the District 13 Ohio State House race that drew no Republican opponents for the fall.  Since then, Nickie's Independent opposition has withdrawn from the race, ensuring Antonio the seat this November.

Victory Fund hosts 10th annual Champagne Brunch

Nearly 700 supporters attended Victory's annual Champagne Brunch on Sunday, including Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Congressman Barney Frank, and D.C. Councilmember David Catania.  http://www.gaypolitics.com/2010/04/19/frank-were-going-to-keep-fighting-until-its-over/

Candidate & Campaign Training coming to Minneapolis, Minn.

Dozens of openly LGBT future candidates and campaign workers will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 3-6 for a Candidate and Campaign Training sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute.  Apply today.http://www.glli.org/about_us/events/id:57

Candidate of the Month: Lucía Guzmán

Lucía doesn't just talk about reaching across divides.  She delivers.  An ordained United Methodist minister and dedicated community activist, Lucía is hoping to bring her passion for change and progress to the Colorado State Senate.http://www.victoryfund.org/slate/view/id:88

Victory Fund pays tribute to out women in politics

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund salutes the women leading the fight for LGBT equality.  Watch the video, share it with your friends, and help us celebrate Women's History Month./files/womens_redirector.html

First same-sex couples married in Washington D.C.

History was made Tuesday as same-sex couples were legally married for the first time in the nation's capital.  Openly gay D.C. City Council member David Catania, who was instrumental in enacting the new marriage law, will be honored for his efforts at the Victory Fund’s annual Champagne Brunch this April.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2010/03/09/same-sex-couples-to-marry-in-d-c-today/

Candidate of the Month: Terry Crow

Terry Crow is running for mayor of University City.  If elected, he would become Missouri's only openly gay mayor.http://www.victoryfund.org/slate/view/id:83

Our missing voice in the Senate

Victory Fund president and CEO, Chuck Wolfe, asks if Sen. McCain's support of DADT would waver if he had to face an openly LGBT colleague in the United States Senate.http://www.bilerico.com/2010/02/our_missing_voice_in_the_senate.php

Candidate & Campaign Training coming to Florida

Dozens of openly LGBT future candidates and campaign workers will gather in Ft. Lauderdale February 25 to 28 for a Candidate and Campaign Training sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2010/01/20/lgb-or-t-learn-how-to-run-for-office-and-win/

Victory Fund kicks off 2010 with 36 endorsements

Just two weeks into the new year, the Victory Fund announced today it has already endorsed 36 openly LGBT candidates for 2010 races, with dozens more to come before November.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2010/01/13/victory-fund-announces-36-endorsements/

Parker becomes mayor of 4th largest U.S. city

Houston Mayor Annise Parker spoke directly to the LGBT community during her inaugural address before thousands at a downtown performing arts center this morning. "Do not fear to dream big dreams.  Bring your whole self to everything you do.  Face the world with dignity and integrity.  I promise you, the pain is worth the reward." said Parker.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2010/01/04/annise-parker-urges-lgbt-community-to-dream-big/

Marriage equality comes to nation's capital

On December 18, District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty signed into law the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009. Sponsored by openly gay city council member David Catania, the bill legalizes marriage for same-sex couples in the nation’s capital.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2009/12/18/d-c-mayor-signs-marriage-equality-bill/

Victory in Birmingham

Out Birmingham Board of Education member Howard Bayless has helped pass an LGBT-inclusive anti-bullying policy.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2009/10/30/breaking-birmingham-school-board-enacts-lgbt-inclusive-anti-bullying-policies/

Milk, King honored at White House

Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony Wednesday.  “Our heroes are now America’s heroes,” said Victory Fund president and CEO Chuck Wolfe.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2009/08/12/milk-king-honored-with-medal-of-freedom/

Candidate of the Month: Steve Kornell

If Steve wins his victory will be seen as another step towards equality in a state that seriously lags behind its peers. But it will also mean St. Petersburg will benefit from a dedicated, committed and caring local leader who happens to be gay. That will be another powerful signal to state leaders that fairness matters to Florida's voters.http://www.victoryfund.org/endorsed_candidates/profile/candidate:267

Study: Gay lawmakers influential beyond their numbers

Even though openly LGBT elected officials are vastly outnumbered by straight colleagues, their presence in legislative bodies leads to the adoption of more pro-equality laws, according to new research.

Candidate of the Month: Charles Pugh

Detroit has never had an openly LGBT city councilmember, but that could change if Charles Pugh is victorious.  The well-known former TV anchor says he’s ready to help rebuild his city.http://www.victoryfund.org/endorsed_candidates/profile/candidate:264

Victory in New Hampshire!

The Victory Fund applauds New Hampshire’s out lawmakers and all who helped achieve marriage equality.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2009/06/03/marriage-victory-in-new-hampshire/

Would Harvey Milk be proud of us?

May 22^nd would have been Harvey Milk’s 79^th birthday.  Would he be proud of our progress today?  The Victory Fund’s Chuck Wolfe says yes and no.

Candidate of the Month: Annise Parker

Houston City Controller Annise Parker is running for mayor. Learn about how you can be part of her historic campaign.http://www.victoryfund.org/endorsed_candidates/profile/candidate:221

Lorber stays optimistic on VT marriage despite veto threat

Out Vermont state Rep. Jason Lorber, a former Victory Fund endorsee, expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of passing marriage equality legislation in the state, despite Gov. Jim Douglas' veto threat.

Lowe celebrates Gainesville, Fla. voters' affirmation of gay rights

Openly gay Gainesville, Fla. City Commissioner Craig Lowe praised local voters' decision to reject a repeal of an anti-discrimination law that protects LGBT individuals.

Obama appoints lesbian as chief judge of high court

President Barack Obama has appointed openly lesbian attorney Emily C. Hewitt as chief judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the court that hears monetary claims against the government.

Quinn asks Obama to support gay rights

New York City Speaker Christine Quinn, a current Victory Fund endorsee, asked President Barack Obama to support gay rights during her recent visit to the White House for St. Patrick’s Day.

Poll: Repeal of DoMA most important priority for Obama administration

A Gay & Lesbian SmartBrief poll indicated that the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act topped the list subscribers' legislative priorities for the Obama administration. Sign up for the brief here.

Out legislator Madaleno introduces marriage bill in Maryland

Openly gay Maryland state Sen. Richard Madaleno Jr. introduced legislation that would give same-sex couples the right to marry, but would not force clergy to perform marriage ceremonies that conflict with their religions.

Gay Washington state legislators celebrate two victories

Out state legislators in Washington are celebrating the State Senate’s passage of two LGBT rights bills.

Anthony Niedwiecki wins in Oakland Park, Fla.

Law professor and LGBT rights activist Anthony Niedwiecki, a Victory endorsee, won his election for Oakland Park, Fla. City Commission, beating his opponent by a margin of 66-34.

Frank Ferri defends marriage equality in Rhode Island

During a Feb. 26 hearing, the out state representative said: "Many of you think that supporting marriage equality would be detrimental to your elections. I pose this question to you: how is it that I was elected?"

Victory Fund congratulates Oscar winners Penn, Black

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, issued the following statement regarding the Academy Awards:

Newark, Delaware city councilman comes out

Newark, Del. City Councilman Ezra Temko publicly came out as bisexual in an an interview with the Newark Post today. He spoke to the paper about his relationship with his boyfriend Drew.http://www.gaypolitics.com/2009/02/12/newark-delaware-city-councilman-comes-out-as-bisexual/

Obama names Davie to faith-based partnership council

Fred Davie, the openly gay president of Public/Private Ventures, has been named to serve on President Barack Obama’s Policy Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Baldwin asks Clinton to fix inequities for gay State Department employees

Out Congresswoman Tammy Baldin has asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to improve the treatment of same sex partners in the State Department.

Sixteen openly gay individuals earn presidential appointments

President Barack Obama's openly gay appointees include John Berry, director-designate of the Office of Personnel Management, and Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Victory Fund endorses 10 out candidates for 2009

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has already endorsed 10 candidates whose elections take place in 2009, including Lynn Schulman, Henry Lo and Coleman Prewitt. Click through to learn more.

Berry, Bond secure positions in Obama administration

Two openly gay men, John Berry and Brian Bond, have secured high-profile spots in the Obama administration. Berry is expected to head the Office of Personnel Management while Bond will serve in the White House Office of the Public Liaison.

Polis becomes third openly gay member of Congress

As the 111th Congress was sworn in on Jan. 6, Victory Fund endorsee Jared Polis became the body's third openly gay member. Polis, who will represent Colorado's second House district, will join Reps. Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin.

Zipprich sworn in to Red Bank Borough Council

Ed Zipprich was sworn in to his first term on the Red Bank, N.J. Borough Council.

Sam Adams becomes Portland mayor

As Portland, Oregon residents welcome the New Year, they also welcome a new mayor. Sam Adams' new administration begins Jan. 1, making him the first openly gay mayor of a top 30 U.S. city.

Baldwin listed among honorary inaugural co-chairs

Openly lesbian Rep. Tammy Baldwin is one of the honorary co-chairs of the 2008 presidential inauguration, according to a list released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Frank speaks at record-breaking conference

"The growth of this organization has been a wonderful thing," Barney Frank said at the largest-ever GLLI International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference, which welcomed more than 600 participants.http://www.gaypolitics.com/?p=1106

LGBT leaders to address Leadership Conference

Speakers at the 24th International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference include Oregon Secretary of State-elect Kate Brown, Nepali member of Parliament Sunil Babu Pant and Rep. Tammy Baldwin. The conference takes place in Washington, D.C.

Wolfe: Stand up for Harvey Milk in your city

Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe encourages everyone who considers Harvey Milk a national hero to put their name on this interactive map.

Top LGBT officials prepare to meet in Washington

Between Dec. 4-7, LGBT leaders from across the globe will meet in Washington for the 2008 International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference. Click here to learn more.

Track Victory's endorsed candidates nationwide

After months of vigorous campaigning, eighty-nine Victory Fund endorsees leave their fates in the voters' hands. To follow Victory's election coverage, visit our blog, GayPolitics.com. http://www.gaypolitics.com

Sciortino wins write-in campaign

After being forced to run for re-election on a sticker campaign, Massachusetts Rep. Carl Sciortino won his Democratic primary last night by a wide margin. Sciortino defeated Somerville Alderman Bob Trane.

Massachusetts governor campaigns with Orozco

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick joined state Senate candidate Sara Orozco for an event at the Wellesley College Club last week. U.S. Congressman Barney Frank also attended.

California legislature passes Harvey Milk Day resolution

Legislation, authored by openly gay assembly member Mark Leno, will recognize May 22 as Harvey Milk Day. The bill now goes to the governor's desk for final approval.

Barbour victorious in Rehoboth Beach

Incumbent city commissioner Dennis Barbour edged out his opponent to keep his seat. Now, he says, it's time to "get back to doing the people’s business."

Colona wins in Missouri House race

Michael Colona has won his competitive primary for the Missouri House of Representatives.  He faces no opposition in the general election.

Yellow Scene endorses Polis in congressional race

Magazine endorses Victory endorsee amid an extremely competitive race, saying he "won our confidence through personality, devotion to helping others, smarts and savvy that has us believing he’ll make an impact in Washington."

Inga Taylor campaigns in Kansas

In anticipation of her Aug. 5 election, Victory endorsee Inga Taylor has been campaigning hard to win a seat in the Kansas House of Representatives. Her election would take Kansas off the list of states with no gay representation in the legislature.

Florida AFL-CIO Unanimously Endorses Mark LaFontaine

Florida House candidate and Victory endorsee Mark LaFontaine received the unanimous endorsement of the Florida AFL-CIO for District 92.  The Florida AFL-CIO represents 500,000 workers, retirees and their families. 

Kraus helps pass Pittsburgh domestic partnership registry

The Pittsburgh City Council gave final approval today to a domestic partner registry. Openly gay city council member and former Victory Fund endorsee Bruce Kraus wrote the legislation.

Birmingham school board votes to keep law firms

Howard Bayless, chair of the finance committee, said it's the board's duty to constituents to pursue the lowest-cost, highest-quality legal services for the system.

Bliss wins Maine primary

Larry Bliss won his Democratic primary by a wide margin on Tuesday. Bliss, who seeks a seat in the Maine State Senate, will advance to a general election where he is heavily favored.

Veiga helps pass Colorado non-discrimination law

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill outlawing discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people when seeking housing. Openly lesbian state Rep. Jennifer Veiga introduced the bill.

Express Gay News reports on Victory Fund endorsement of Mark LaFontaine

Express Gay News reports on the Victory Fund's endorsement of Mark LaFontaine.

Victory candidates vie for office in Oregon

Victory-endorsed candidates Sam Adams and Kate Brown face potentially decisive primaries this evening as voters turn in their ballots. Adams hopes to become the next mayor of Portland while Brown seeks the office of Secretary of State.

Two Solano newspapers endorse Cabaldon

Both of Solano's daily newspapers have enthusiastically endorsed Cabaldon's candidacy.

Randi Shade unseats incumbent

Victory Fund-endorsed candidate Randi Shade won a seat on the Austin City Council on Saturday, soundly defeating incumbent Jennifer Kim. She will be the city's first openly gay councilmember.

Webb becomes Virginia's first gay African-American elected to office

In his first bid for elected office, Lawrence Webb won a seat on the Falls Church City Council by a margin of 39 votes. The Victory Fund's political staff launched an intense get-out-the-vote effort to secure the win.

Laurette Healey gets an A on education

California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Dr. Tod Burnett and Los Angeles Community College Board Trustee Georgia Mercer have endorsed 40th District State Assembly Candidate Laurette Healey.

Victory Fund releases annual report

New publication reveals that nearly 90 percent of the Victory Fund's budget goes directly to training and support of LGBT candidates. Read the entire report online here.

Sam Adams approaches pivotal 50 percent mark in mayoral race

Portland City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Adams has nearly reached the 50 percent mark according to a recent poll. If Adams pulls in more than half of the vote in his primary, he will not face a general election.

Austin American-Statesman endorses Randi Shade

The newspaper backs Shade over incumbent Jennifer Kim, stating that Shade "has experience running a business, impressive credentials and readiness to tackle the tough challenges facing Austin."

Kevin Lee advances in race for state legislature

Lee defeated his Democratic primary opponent by a margin of 58 percent to 42 percent. If he wins the competitive general election, he would become the state's only openly gay legislator.

Health care workers endorse Hirshfield

Four influential unions representing thousands of nurses, heath care workers and teachers in Sonoma County have endorsed Maddy Hirshfield in the race for 5th District Supervisor.

Statesman Journal endorses Brown for secretary of state

Salem newspaper writes: Her nine years as Senate majority leader gave her experience in working with colleagues, other elected officials and everyday Oregonians.

Webb campaigns in northern Virginia

April's candidate of the month, Lawrence Webb, hopes to become Falls Church, Va.'s next city councilmember. Having already picked up key endorsements, he would be the state's first gay African American to hold public office.

Bullying accusations at the Capitol

State Representatives including Jeanette Mott-Oxford came forward Thursday, saying fellow Representative Jane Cunningham discriminated against students during a recent lobbying day because of how they looked, and possibly their sexual orientation.http://www.krcg.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=119806

Mott Oxford cites students' appearance with legislators meeting refusal

The office of Jeanette Mott Oxford (D-St. Louis) put out a press release Thursday claiming State Rep. Jane Cunningham refused to meet with students Desiree Bain and Austyn Langston of Jackson County because “she found their appearance very difficult to look at.”http://www.pubdef.net/2008/04/11/did-cunningham-snub-anti-bullying-teens/

Pettis leads by 7 points in new poll

An independent poll conducted last week showed Greg Pettis in a commanding position to win the Democratic primary in California's 80th Assembly District.

Lehmberg trounces opponent in Texas D.A. runoff

Rosemary Lehmberg defeated Mindy Montford last night, earning 65 percent of the vote in the runoff election for Travis County district attorney. With no Republican challenger, Lehmberg will be the presumptive winner of the general election.

Sinema serves as leader on LGBT issues in Arizona legislature

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema has made headlines in Arizona through her LGBT advocacy, helping to effectively kill a state ban on marriage equality as well as launching a petition drive to make anti-gay discrimination illegal.

Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles endorse Healey

Victory candidate Laurette Healey has been endorsed by the Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles in her bid for California State Assembly.

Lehmberg endorsed for Travis County, Texas DA

Victory endorsee Rosemary Lehmberg received the endorsement of the Austin American-Statesman. The paper said the Lehmberg, whose runoff election is April 8, has experience her competition can't match.

Christopher Cabaldon gets endorsement of California Democrats

The current mayor of West Sacramento won the support of the state Democratic Club in his bid for California state Assembly.

Wesley Chesbro endorses Sonoma County supervisor candidate Maddy Hirshfield

"She understands what’s at stake and has always done what’s right. She will be an excellent supervisor,” the former state senator said.

America is listening to Kern's anti-gay tirade

Since Friday, the remarks made by Rep. Kern have spread far and wide. Margaret Cho and Ellen DeGeneres have condemned her speech and the original YouTube clip has surpassed 700,000 views.

An open letter to Sally Kern

From Victory Fund CEO Chuck Wolfe: The point is this: your words have consequences. Ask Judy Shepherd -- her son, Matthew, was viciously murdered ten years ago by people who think like you.

Pettis receives labor, Democratic endorsements

Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis scored the endorsement of local and national progressive leaders last week, picking up the support of Progressive Majority, the Palm Springs Democratic Club and the San Diego/Imperial County Central Labor Council.

Frank among he most powerful members of Congress

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank is the seventh most powerful member of the House of Representatives, according to a report released this week. Fellow Bay State Democrats Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry were ranked second and 12th in the Senate, respectively.

We're listening...

Last week, the Victory Fund released an audio recording of an Oklahoma state legislator speaking at a public meeting. She proceeded to make some jaw-dropping assertions about the LGBT community.

Gay Washington legislators celebrate expanded partnership rights

“There has been a profound shift in public understanding. It’s important for us to do as much as we can to protect our families,” said Washington state Rep. Jamie Pedersen.

Four Victory endorsees advance after Texas primary election

Lupe Valdez, Rosemary Lehmberg, Andres Pereira and Steve Kirkland will all move on to runoff or general elections. Valdez defeated three opponents, winning more than 50 percent of the vote and avoiding a runoff.

Outgoing DA endorses Lehmberg for Travis County DA

"She has risen to the position of first assistant precisely because of her leadership qualities, her judgment and her ability to set that crucial tone of respectfulness that brings people together," he said.

Groups hope to boost gay black political leadership

The National Conference of Black Political Scientists and the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute announced the establishment of the Bayard Rustin Award, honoring contributions to the field of political science on the topic of LGBT African-Americans in electoral politics.

Flaherty wins primary election

Patrick Flaherty, candidate for Milwakee's Common Council, emerged as the top vote-getter in his primary election last night. He will go up against the second-place finisher in the general election on April 1.

Connecticut legislator comes out

Connecticut State Rep. Jason Bartlett publicly came out today during a meeting with The News-Times. The announcement makes Bartlett the state’s first and only openly LGBT African American state legislator.

Kaufmann calls for apology from Rep. Rehberg

Out official and Victory endorsee Christine Kaufmann wants Republican congressman to apologize for an anti-gay gag.

Next: Madame Mayor?

"I want every New Yorker to hear me when I say: We are ready."

Pettis outraises all other Democratic candidates in 80th Assembly District

End of the year campaign finance filings with the Secretary of State show that Cathedral City City Councilmember Greg Pettis (D) has raised more money than any of the four other Democratic candidates in the 80th Assembly District.

Laurette Healey receives sole endorsement from the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs

The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs has endorsed former Deputy State Controller Laurette Healey in the race for the 40th  Assembly District.

Flaherty ahead in 3rd District cash

Gay rights activist Patrick Flaherty holds a commanding lead in fundraising for Milwaukee's 3rd Aldermanic District race, campaign finance reports show.