The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

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

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:04:08 -0400

Victory Fund board elects new directors

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:44:40 -0400

Washington, D.C.—The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced its board of directors elected three new members at its most recent meeting.

Board Chair Mark Burstein said the new directors bring diverse and deep expertise at a pivotal moment for the Victory Fund and its mission. “With record numbers of LGBT candidates seeking office, both our work and its impact are expanding rapidly. I am thrilled we will be able to rely on the wisdom and talent of these accomplished individuals to help guide the Victory Fund as we work to change America’s politics,” Burstein said.

The new directors are:

Emily Giske (New York, N.Y.)—A former political consultant with extensive experience in both national and New York politics, Giske is a lobbyist representing not-for-profit entities, local municipalities and corporations in Albany and New York City. She is vice-chair of the New York State Democratic Party and was elected to the Democratic National Committee. Giske married her partner, Anne Washburn, in Provincetown, Mass., last weekend. Gabriel Catone (New York, N.Y. and Los Angeles, Calf.)—Catone is co-founder of Ruth | Catone, a private consultancy for collectors of modern and contemporary art. In California in 2008, Catone married his partner, Bruce Cohen, the Oscar-winning producer of films such as Milk and American Beauty. Alex Martinez (Houston, Texas)—Martinez is founder and principal of Versatil Group, offering client representation for government and public relations, business development, fundraising and strategic communication. In 2009 he organized and chaired “Latinos por Annise,” supporting Annise Parker’s campaign for mayor. He lives with his partner, David Arpin, in Houston.

Since 1991, the Victory Fund has helped to grow the number of openly LGBT elected officials serving in office in the U.S. from 49 to nearly 500. The group’s endorsement means candidates are recommended to a national network of donors. Endorsees also receive expert campaign and technical advice from an experienced political staff. For more information, visit www.victoryfund.org.

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

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:45:44 -0400

Victory sets new record, endorses 123 LGBT candidates

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:40:12 -0400

Washington, D.C.--The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced it has endorsed 123 openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender candidates for public office so far in 2010, already surpassing its 2008 total of 111 candidates, the previous record. Included in the newest slate of candidates is its sixth endorsement in a race for the U.S. House of Representatives this year. Scott Galvin is competing in a crowded Democratic primary to represent Florida's 17th Congressional District, where he currently serves on the North Miami City Council. Also endorsed for Congress this year are Steve Pougnet for California's 45th District, David Cicilline for Rhode Island's 1st District, Barney Frank for Massachusetts' 4th District, Tammy Baldwin for Wisconsin's 2nd District and Jared Polis for Colorado's 2nd District.But Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the group, said with more than four months to go until the general election, the Victory Fund isn't done endorsing candidates yet. "We've already broken our record, but I expect we're actually going to smash it to bits," Wolfe said. "I think people are tired of being misrepresented by extremist politicians who lie about the LGBT community. So we've been blessed this year with an amazing number of qualified, experienced people who are willing to run for office and tell the truth about themselves, about their families and about how fair-minded most Americans really are."Since 1991, the Victory Fund has helped to grow the number of openly LGBT elected officials serving in office in the U.S. from 49 to nearly 500. It's endorsement means candidates are recommended to a national network of donors, and they also receive expert campaign and technical advice from an experienced political staff.A map of currently-endorsed candidates is available here. For more information, visit www.victoryfund.org.

Out candidates prevail in LGBT "Super Tuesday" elections

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:28:36 -0400

Pougnet: It doesn't have to be this way

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:13:23 -0400

Harvey Milk: From Bullhorn to Bully Pulpit

Wed, 19 May 2010 17:19:44 -0400

Lesbian set to become Ohio's first out legislator

Wed, 05 May 2010 11:26:49 -0400

Victory Fund hosts 10th annual Champagne Brunch

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:26:56 -0400

Candidate & Campaign Training coming to Minneapolis, Minn.

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:03:00 -0400

Candidate of the Month: Lucía Guzmán

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:42:45 -0400

Victory Fund pays tribute to out women in politics

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:50:51 -0400

2010 Victory Fund endorsements grow to 76

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:17:16 -0400

Increasing Numbers of Openly LGBT Candidates Run for Local, State and Federal Offices Washington, D.C.—Seventy-six openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) political candidates have been endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund so far this year—an unusually high number this early in the election cycle that suggests the group could support a record number of candidates in 2010. Among the endorsees are five candidates for the U.S. Congress, two for statewide office and 35 state legislative candidates.“We’re proud that more LGBT Americans are stepping up to run for public office and refusing to wait for others to lead. When they win, many more of our authentic voices will be in positions of real power, and our democracy will be strengthened. This is good for the LGBT community and good for our country,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.Current endorsees include: Nickie Antonio, a Democrat running for the Ohio State House; David Cicilline, a Democrat running for Congress from Rhode Island; Dave Coulter, a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate; Lucia Guzman, a Democrat running for the Colorado State Senate; and Richard Tisei, a Republican running for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.The Victory Fund endorses candidates throughout the year after thorough reviews of endorsement applications. In 2009, 54 of its 79 endorsees won their elections, and in 2008 80 of 111 endorsed candidates were victorious. The Victory Fund is the nation’s largest LGBT political action committee and the only national group dedicated to growing the number of openly LGBT elected officials at all levels of government.Some of the Victory Fund’s 2010 endorsees’ races have already concluded. The currently endorsed candidates are:Nickie Antonio--Ohio State HouseToni Atkins--California State AssemblyTammy Baldwin--U.S. House of Representatives (Wisconsin)Jay Barth--Arkansas State SenateKevin Beiser--San Diego Unified School BoardSimone Bell--Georgia State HouseBryce Bennett--Montana State HouseDana Beyer--Maryland House of DelegatesJulia Boseman--District Court Judge, North CarolinaJohn Brady--Recorder of Deeds, Sussex County, DelawareTerry Brown--County Auditor, Franklin County, OhioDavid Cicilline--U.S. House of Representatives (Rhode Island)Luke Clippinger--Maryland House of Delegates Michael Colona--Missouri State HouseCathy Connolly--Wyoming State HouseDavid Coulter--Michigan State SenateTerry Crow--Mayor, University City, MissouriPatrick Davis--Sheriff, Bernalillo County, New MexicoKevin Dowling--Supervisor, Alameda County, CaliforniaBonnie Dumanis--District Attorney, San Diego County, CaliforniaHenry Fernandez--School Board, Lawrence Township, IndianaMark Ferrandino--Colorado State HouseGary Fitzsimmons--District Court Judge, Dallas County, TexasBarney Frank--U.S. House of Representatives (Massachusetts)Robert Garcia--City Council, Long Beach, CaliforniaRich Gordon--California State AssemblyJim Gray--Mayor, Lexington, KentuckyLucia Guzman--Colorado State Senate Matt Heinz--New Mexico State HouseScott Hines--City Council, Rancho Mirage, CaliforniaKate Hogan--Massachusetts State HouseRon Holland--Mayor, Dillon, ColoradoTony Japour--Florida State HouseJolie Justus--Missouri State SenateAnne Kaiser--Maryland House of DelegatesKen Keechl--County Commission, Broward County, FloridaVictoria Kolakowski--Superior Court Judge, Alameda County, CaliforniaTina Kotek--Oregon State HouseRicardo Lara--California State AssemblyNicole LeFavour--Idaho State SenateKevin Lembo--Lieutenant Governor, ConnecticutEvan Low--City Council, Campbell, CaliforniaDavid Lublin--City Council, Chevy Chase, MarylandByron Macfarlane--Register of Wills, Howard County, MarylandAl McAffrey--Oklahoma State HouseMatt McCoy--Iowa State SenateDoug Milliken--Treasurer, Arapahoe County, ColoradoHeather Mizeur--Maryland House of DelegatesJeanette Mott-Oxford--Missouri State HouseSarah Peake--Massachusetts State HouseTom Peters--School Board, University City, MissouriJared Polis--U.S. House of Representatives (Colorado)Steve Pougnet--U.S. House of Representatives (California)Jill Ravitch--District Attorney, Sonoma County, CaliforniaKyle Richmond--Supervisor, Dane County, WisconsinSue Schafer--Colorado State HouseGerrie Schipske--City Council, Long Beach, CaliforniaBrad Shore--City Council, Long Beach, CaliforniaDenise Simmons--Massachusetts State SenateMike Slaton--Kentucky State HousePat Steadman--Colorado State SenateMark Thrun--Colorado State HouseRichard Tisei--Lieutenant Governor, MassachusettsPatricia Todd--Alabama State HouseMitch Ward--California State AssemblyRichard Waterman--City Council, Campbell, CaliforniaKathy Webb--Arkansas State HouseMichael Wilson--California State Assembly

Victory Fund endorses Lembo for Connecticut Lt. Gov.

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:37:53 -0400

Washington, D.C.--Kevin Lembo has won the endorsement of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund in his race to become Connecticut's next lieutenant governor, the group announced today. Lembo has extensive experience as a public servant in Connecticut, and currently serves as the state's top public advocate for those attempting to access health care. If elected, Lembo would become one of the highest-ranking openly gay elected officials in the U.S."Kevin's career demonstrates a deep commitment to public service and to making government work for everyone. His victory will be an affirmation of openness and honesty in politics, so we are proud to stand with him in this important and exciting campaign," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.The 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 in the U.S. The number of LGBT elected officials in the U.S. has grown from 49 to more than 475 since the group's founding in 1991. For more information, visit www.victoryfund.org.

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

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:32:58 -0500