Victory in the News

BREAKING: Senate confirms gay nominee to Calif. federal court

The Senate on Thursday confirmed to the bench a gay judicial nominee whom Republicans had held up for four months from receiving a floor vote along with other appointees. 

Chuck Wolfe, CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said Fitzgerald's legal experience "makes him an excellent choice for the federal bench."

"He joins a still very small but growing group of openly LGBT federal judges, and we commend the Obama administration for making sure these esteemed positions are open to all qualified Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," Wolfe said. 

Gays, By the Numbers

For many gay-rights activists, Baldwin's ascent to the Senate remains the top priority. "These opportunities don't come along very often for us to break a glass ceiling," said Denis Dison, spokesman for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group dedicated to electing more LGBT officials. 

The upside for 2012, Dison said, is a potential wave of new gay candidates. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has identified as priorities electing four openly gay challengers, including one Republican.