Victory in the News

National news in brief: March 2

Duncan is among dozens of LGBT candidates on the ballot in Florida hoping to join the 26 openly gay elected officials in the Sunshine State, including two that are competing in a four-way race for the same seat on the Orlando City Council. They are among hundreds competing this year nationwide.

According to Denis Dison of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, there are currently 77 Victory Fund-endorsed candidates on ballots across the country, but by November, that number could be closer to 200. Pennsylvania is fielding three openly gay state House candidates alone with Brian Simms, Christopher Dietz and Kelly McEntee. 

Taking a stand

A week after making national headlines over her refusal to marry straight couples until marriage equality arrives in Texas, openly gay Dallas County District Judge Tonya Parker is focusing on the work in her courtroom. 

Parker also isn't believed to have sought an endorsement from the Washington, D.C.-based Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a political action committee that backs openly LGBT candidates nationwide.

She does now appear on the group's list of out officials, who are placed there if the Victory Fund confirms that they are out or if a news article mentions them being open, spokesman Denis Dison said.