Press Releases

Perez among victorious in primary election

California’s caucus of gay state legislators will likely gain at least two new faces after November’s general election. After winning their primaries, John Perez and Tom Ammiano are heavily favored to win their general elections in November.

Sam Adams elected mayor of Portland, Oregon

Sam Adams won his election with more than 50 percent of the vote, becoming the first openly gay mayor elected to lead one of the nation's 30 largest cities. Meanwhile, Kate Brown won her Democratic primary for Oregon secretary of state.

Victory Fund hails California Supreme Court decision

"It’s a leap forward in the struggle for true equality for LGBT Americans, and I applaud the extraordinary work of those who have gotten us to this point," said Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe

Victory Fund mourns loss of Larry McKeon

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, issued a statement mourning the passing of former Illinois State Rep. Larry McKeon.

David Bohnett Foundation Announces Major Gift to Boost Openly Gay Leadership

A new partnership between the David Bohnett Foundation and the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute will help openly gay public leaders take advantage of one of the nation’s most prestigious mid-career executive training programs.

Esquivel named to Victory Fund Senior VP position

Laura M. Esquivel, a longtime political strategist and advocate for social justice issues, including in the gay, Latino and labor movements, has been named Senior Vice President for Political Affairs at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

Laurette Healey receives sole endorsement from the California Nurses Association

The California Nurses Association has endorsed former Deputy State Controller Laurette Healey in the race for the 40th Assembly District which serves Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Lake Balboa, Northridge, North Encino, North Hills, Reseda, Tarzana, Van Nuys, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills, and South Granada Hills

The California Nurses Association (CNA), and its national arm, the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), presently have 80,000 members in 50 states, representing nurses at scores of hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies.

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.

Leadership Institute launches Presidential Appointments Project

The effort of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute hopes to grow the pool of openly LGBT professionals who would be qualified and ready to accept politically appointed positions in the next presidential administration.

Laurette Healey Reports the Highest Contributions in the 2nd Reporting Period

Laurette Healey has reported contributions of $110,754 compared to Bob Blumenfield with $105,508 and Stuart Waldman with $83,983 for the reporting period ending December 31.

Cambridge elects nation's first out black lesbian mayor

Out lesbian Denise Simmons, a Victory endorsee who was re-elected to the Cambridge, Massachusetts City Council last year, has been elected mayor by her council peers.  She is the second openly LGBT African-American to hold the post, and the first out black lesbian mayor in U.S. history.

Victory Fund announces 29 endorsements for 2008

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced it has endorsed a slate of 29 candidates seeking office in 2008.  The group plans to endorse more than 100 candidates, a new record, before Election Day next year.

Joel Burns fights back, wins election

Victory endorsee Joel Burns overcame anti-gay smears to become the first openly gay elected official in Tarrant County, Texas.  He will be sworn in to represent District 9 on the Fort Worth City Council in January.

Victory Fund announces 29 endorsements for 2008

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced it has endorsed a slate of 29 candidates seeking office in 2008. 

Gay candidates victorious across the U.S.

Dozens of openly gay and lesbian candidates running in municipal and state legislative races across the country won their elections Tuesday.

Record number of candidates running in ‘07

The Victory Fund has announced 10 new endorsements, reaching a record-setting 71 endorsed candidates for the 2007 political season.

First openly gay man elected in Alabama

Howard Bayless has become the first openly gay man elected to public office in Alabama.  Bayless won a special election Tuesday for a seat on the Birmingham Board of Education.

Victory announces 12 new endorsements; 6 running in November

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund added 12 new names to its list of endorsed candidates, bringing the total number of candidates to 67 this year.  Six of the new endorsements are for 2008 races.

Gay man elected to Colorado House

Mark Ferrandino has become the first openly gay man to serve in the Colorado legislature, after being elected by a committee to fill a vacant State House seat.

Tennessee gets first out elected official

Keith Durbin, a Victory-endorsed candidate, made history Thursday night, becoming Tennessee's first-ever openly LGBT elected official.