Joel Burns fights back, wins election

Thu, Dec 6th 2007, 15:37

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Denis Dison (202) 842-7308, denis.dison@victoryfund.org

Washington, D.C.—Fort Worth, Texas, has elected its first-ever openly gay public official.  Joel Burns prevailed in a runoff election Tuesday night to represent the 9th District on the Fort Worth City Council.  Burns endured anti-gay attacks from rivals, but the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, in its endorsement, called him the candidate who “is the most knowledgeable about city issues and takes the wisest positions.”

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which endorsed Burns, assisted him with strategic and financial support. “It was enormously important to have the endorsement of the Victory Fund.  They understand what it takes to win and then they help you do that,” said Burns.

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, celebrated the outcome of the election. “Joel’s election proves that leadership and experience are more important to voters than sexual orientation,” Wolfe said. “The people of Fort Worth rewarded Joel’s obvious dedication to his city, and ignored the tired politics of division.  In a year of hard-fought battles in Texas, this is a sweet victory.”

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund is the only national organization dedicated to increasing the number of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elected officials at all levels of government.  The nation’s largest LGBT political action committee, it has helped to grow the number of out officials from 49 to more than 400 since its founding in 1991.  An endorsement by the Victory Fund brings national attention from a network of donors who want to support the campaigns of viable openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender political candidates.  For more information, go to www.victoryfund.org.