Press Releases

Victory Fund endorses Dallas mayoral candidate

Endorsement of Ed Oakley, six others kicks off 2007 political season.

Victory condemns effort to fire trans official

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today called on the city of Largo, Fla., to cease its efforts to fire longtime City Manager Steve Stanton, who recently acknowledged he is transgender and will transition to female over the next year.

Victory Fund Statement on the death of former US Rep. Gerry Studds

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today issued the following statement from Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO, regarding the death of former U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds:

Victory Fund statement on Foley scandal

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, today issued the following statement regarding allegations against former congressman Mark Foley, and the ensuing commentary in the media:

Patricia Todd wins!

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, issued the following statement today in response to a vote by the executive committee of the Alabama Democratic Party to dismiss a challenge to the primary election victory of Patricia Todd, the first openly gay person ever to be elected in the state:

Victory Fund: Outrage in Alabama

Democratic Party panel votes to overturn Patricia Todd’s historic election.

Victory endorses largest slate of LGBT candidates ever

Seventy-Seven Openly LGBT Candidates Endorsed So Far in 2006

Victory Fund fights to preserve historic win in Alabama

Legal defense fund established to protect Patricia Todd’s victory

Lesbian poised to become Missouri's first openly gay state Senator

Jolie Justus will likely become the first openly gay state senator in Missouri history after winning  her Democratic primary Tuesday night.

Victory Fund Announces Five New Endorsements

Sixty-Four Openly LGBT Candidates Endorsed So Far in 2006

Oklahoma to get first openly gay legislator

Third “red state” to elect its first openly gay lawmaker this year

Lesbian wins historic race in Alabama

Patricia Todd to become first openly gay elected official in state’s history

Victory Fund Announces Eight New Endorsements

Fifty-Nine Openly LGBT Candidates Endorsed So Far in 2006

Gay and Lesbian Candidates Win In Key Races Across the U.S.

No Local Impact Seen from Washington D.C. Marriage Debate

Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund to Honor Local Heros at 2nd Annual Houston Brunch

U.S Representative Barney Frank to be Featured Speaker

Three Gay Legislators Ascend to Leadership Positions this Week

In what the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund considers an indicator of the skill and passion that hardworking LGBT officials bring to the public sector, three openly gay legislators in New York and New Jersey, have been elected to leadership roles in their respective legislative bodies.

Gay man wins seat in New York State Assembly

Assemblyman Matt Titone, a Democrat, becomes the first openly gay elected official from the New York City borough of Staten Island, and joins three other openly gay New York state legislators.

Gay candidates win in record numbers across U.S.

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund reported unprecedented success in electing openly gay candidates in 2006.

Victory Fund condemns Roseanne Barr’s anti-gay comments (updated)

Comedian Roseanne Barr posted an apology on her blog today for remarks she made suggesting all politically active gays and lesbians are oblivious to causes other than LGBT rights.  The Victory Fund has accepted Barr's apology and thanks her for her longtime support of the LGBT community.

Victory Fund applauds Frank, Baldwin on ENDA introduction

Congress' two openly gay legislators co-sponsor bill to ban workplace discrimination

Openly Bisexual Man Elected to New York State Assembly

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund congratulated Micah Kellner on his election to the New York State Assembly in a special election today.

New endorsements announced

The Victory Fund announced seven newly-endorsed candidates, including Eugene Pearson, who is running in a special election July 10 for a seat on the Boulder, Colo., City Council.

Fred Mason: A strong leader for Baltimore

The Victory Fund has endorsed three new candidates, including Fred Mason, who is running for Baltimore City Council.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.  The group plans to endorse more than 100 candidates, a new record, before Election Day next year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

McAffrey assured second term in Oklahoma

Victory endorsee Al McAffrey will serve a second term in the Oklahoma state House of Representatives thanks to a court ruling removing his only opponent. He became the first openly gay member of the legislature in 2006.

Victory Fund endorses ten new candidates

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has endorsed ten new candidates seeking public office. The candidates include Rebecca Kaplan, who seeks a seat on the Oakland City Council, and Andrew Martin, who is running for the Nevada Assembly.

McFeeley Joins Board of Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute

Tim McFeeley, a veteran of the civil rights movement and a leader in the field of executive development, has joined the board of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute.

Victory fund endorses eleven new candidates

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has endorsed 11 new candidates seeking public office. The candidates include Greg Rodriguez, candidate for the Palm Springs Unified School District Board of Education, and Georgia House candidate Keisha Waites.

Victory in Colorado

After winning his Democratic primary to represent Colorado's 2nd District, Victory endorsee Jared Polis is nearly certain to become the nation's next openly gay member of Congress.

Majority of voters open to electing gay president

More than six in ten U.S. voters say they could support an openly gay candidate for president of the United States, according to a new nationwide poll from Zogby International.

Victory Fund welcomes Michelle Obama at LGBT Delegate Lunch

The Victory Fund welcomed Michelle Obama to the LGBT Delegates Lunch, co-hosted by the Human Rights Campaign and Reps. Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin. More than 700 people attended the event.

Cho to accept Gay & Lesbian Leadership Award

Comedian Margaret Cho will accept a Gay & Lesbian Leadership Award for her passionate and vocal LGBT advocacy at a ceremony in Washington D.C. Click here to attend the reception.

Victory Fund endorses 100 openly LGBT candidates

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund announced the endorsement of its 100th candidate, making this endorsement slate the largest-ever for the organization.

Victory Fund helps 71 candidates win across the U.S.

Dozens of Victory-endorsed candidates won their elections on Nov. 4, including Jared Polis who will join Reps. Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Obama Nominates Out Lesbian as Top Environmental Advisor

The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute today issued the following statement from its president and CEO, Chuck Wolfe, on the nomination of Nancy Sutley to chair the White House Council on Environmental Quality:

Victory Fund endorses seven new candidates

Now only two months into 2009, the Victory Fund has endorsed seven more candidates, bringing the year’s total number of endorsees to 17.

Victory Fund announces new board members

Steve Elmendorf, Jamie Fox, Malcolm R Gage, Jr. and Harvey Hurdle elected to three-year terms on the board. Mark Burstein selected as new board chair.

Vermont Legislature brings marriage equality to state

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute today extended its thanks and congratulations to the five openly gay and lesbian members of the Vermont state legislature for their leadership and hard work in gaining today's historic victory for marriage equality.

Victory Fund announces a dozen new endorsements

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced it has endorsed 12 more openly gay and lesbian candidates for public office, bringing its total number of 2009 endorsements to 32.

Victory Fund applauds marriage equality in Maine

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today congratulated Maine’s three openly gay state lawmakers, their colleagues and Maine Gov. John Baldacci on enacting and signing a marriage equality bill that will ensure all Maine families will enjoy the benefits and responsibilities of marriage.

Victory Fund endorses eight more openly gay candidates

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced eight more endorsements of openly gay and lesbian candidates, raising the total number of endorsees so far this year to 40.

Victory Fund celebrates 40th anniversary of Stonewall

On June 28, 1969, a small group of men and women in a New York City bar stood up for themselves and fought back, giving voice to a movement that has spanned more than four decades.

Victory Fund endorses Steve Pougnet for Congress

The Victory Fund has endorsed Palm Springs, Calif. Mayor Steve Pougnet in his bid for Congress.  He is among 15 new endorsements made in June, bringing the yearly total to 55 endorsed candidates.

Victory Fund makes 11 new endorsements

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced it has endorsed 11 more openly LGBT candidates for public office, including Dr. Dana Beyer, whose 2010 election would make her the first openly transgender state legislator in U.S. history.

Victory Fund, HRC endorse Anthony Woods for Congress

Anthony Woods, an Iraq vet and recipient of the Bronze Star, is running in a special election to represent California's 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House.

Victory Fund mourns passing of Sen. Kennedy

"Senator Kennedy was a great man.  He made a career of fighting for the poor, for women, for racial minorities, and for basic human rights for LGBT Americans," said CEO Chuck Wolfe.

Victory Fund makes eight new endorsements

Eight openly gay and lesbian candidates have earned the endorsement of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund in August.  A total of 76 openly LGBT candidates have been endorsed by the Victory Fund so far this year.

Gay candidates advance across the country

Nearly a dozen openly gay and lesbian candidates in three states faced primary elections Tuesday, with eight advancing to general elections this November.  To date, over 35 Victory-endorsed candidates have advanced with primary election wins.

Victory Fund endorses record number of openly LGBT candidates

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced it has endorsed 76 openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) political candidates in 2009, making this endorsement slate the group’s largest ever in an non-federal election year.

Victory applauds historic hate crimes vote

"I’m proud that the openly gay and lesbian members of Congress were there to add their voices to the debate and to speak authentically about the experience of gay and transgender Americans," said Chuck Wolfe, Victory Fund President and CEO.

Obama signs historic hate crimes bill

"It's thrilling to watch the president sign federal legislation that acknowledges the human dignity of LGBT Americans," said Chuck Wolfe, Victory Fund president and CEO.

Annise Parker Finishes First in Houston Mayor’s Race

Houston City Controller Annise Parker was the top vote-getter Tuesday in the race for mayor, garnering more than 30% of the vote in a crowded field of candidates. Parker will now face former city attorney Gene Locke, who finished second, in a runoff election in mid-December.

Gay, lesbian candidates victorious across U.S.

Openly gay and lesbian candidates swept to victory in local and state races across the country, according to results released today by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

Lesbian elected mayor of Houston, Texas

"This victory sends a clear signal that gays and lesbians are an integral part of American civic life, that we're willing to lead, and that voters will respond to candidates who are open and honest about their lives,”  said Chuck Wolfe, Victory President and CEO.

Victory Fund endorses Cicilline for Congress

The Victory Fund today announced its endorsement of David Cicilline in his race to become the next U.S. Representative from Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District.

Victory Fund endorses Lembo for Connecticut Lt. Gov.

Kevin Lembo has won the endorsement of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund in his race to become Connecticut's next lieutenant governor.  If elected, Lembo would become one of the highest-ranking openly gay elected officials in the U.S.

2010 Victory Fund endorsements grow to 76

Seventy-six openly LGBT 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.

Victory sets new record, endorses 123 LGBT candidates

Victory Fund today announced it has endorsed 123 openly LGBT candidates for public office, including six U.S. House candidates, so far in 2010.  Victory endorsed a total of 111 in 2008, the previous record.

Victory Fund board elects new directors

Three new directors were named to help guide the Victory Fund as it works to elect more LGBT leaders to change America’s politics.