News

California legislature passes Harvey Milk Day resolution

Legislation, authored by openly gay assembly member Mark Leno, will recognize May 22 as Harvey Milk Day. The bill now goes to the governor's desk for final approval.

Florida AFL-CIO Unanimously Endorses Mark LaFontaine

Florida House candidate and Victory endorsee Mark LaFontaine received the unanimous endorsement of the Florida AFL-CIO for District 92.  The Florida AFL-CIO represents 500,000 workers, retirees and their families. 

Kraus helps pass Pittsburgh domestic partnership registry

The Pittsburgh City Council gave final approval today to a domestic partner registry. Openly gay city council member and former Victory Fund endorsee Bruce Kraus wrote the legislation.

Inga Taylor campaigns in Kansas

In anticipation of her Aug. 5 election, Victory endorsee Inga Taylor has been campaigning hard to win a seat in the Kansas House of Representatives. Her election would take Kansas off the list of states with no gay representation in the legislature.

Barbour victorious in Rehoboth Beach

Incumbent city commissioner Dennis Barbour edged out his opponent to keep his seat. Now, he says, it's time to "get back to doing the people’s business."

Colona wins in Missouri House race

Michael Colona has won his competitive primary for the Missouri House of Representatives.  He faces no opposition in the general election.

Bliss wins Maine primary

Larry Bliss won his Democratic primary by a wide margin on Tuesday. Bliss, who seeks a seat in the Maine State Senate, will advance to a general election where he is heavily favored.

Veiga helps pass Colorado non-discrimination law

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill outlawing discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people when seeking housing. Openly lesbian state Rep. Jennifer Veiga introduced the bill.

Yellow Scene endorses Polis in congressional race

Magazine endorses Victory endorsee amid an extremely competitive race, saying he "won our confidence through personality, devotion to helping others, smarts and savvy that has us believing he’ll make an impact in Washington."

Randi Shade unseats incumbent

Victory Fund-endorsed candidate Randi Shade won a seat on the Austin City Council on Saturday, soundly defeating incumbent Jennifer Kim. She will be the city's first openly gay councilmember.

Birmingham school board votes to keep law firms

Howard Bayless, chair of the finance committee, said it's the board's duty to constituents to pursue the lowest-cost, highest-quality legal services for the system.

Express Gay News reports on Victory Fund endorsement of Mark LaFontaine

Express Gay News reports on the Victory Fund's endorsement of Mark LaFontaine.

Victory candidates vie for office in Oregon

Victory-endorsed candidates Sam Adams and Kate Brown face potentially decisive primaries this evening as voters turn in their ballots. Adams hopes to become the next mayor of Portland while Brown seeks the office of Secretary of State.

Webb becomes Virginia's first gay African-American elected to office

In his first bid for elected office, Lawrence Webb won a seat on the Falls Church City Council by a margin of 39 votes. The Victory Fund's political staff launched an intense get-out-the-vote effort to secure the win.

Victory Fund releases annual report

New publication reveals that nearly 90 percent of the Victory Fund's budget goes directly to training and support of LGBT candidates. Read the entire report online here.

Sam Adams approaches pivotal 50 percent mark in mayoral race

Portland City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Adams has nearly reached the 50 percent mark according to a recent poll. If Adams pulls in more than half of the vote in his primary, he will not face a general election.

Two Solano newspapers endorse Cabaldon

Both of Solano's daily newspapers have enthusiastically endorsed Cabaldon's candidacy.

Austin American-Statesman endorses Randi Shade

The newspaper backs Shade over incumbent Jennifer Kim, stating that Shade "has experience running a business, impressive credentials and readiness to tackle the tough challenges facing Austin."

Kevin Lee advances in race for state legislature

Lee defeated his Democratic primary opponent by a margin of 58 percent to 42 percent. If he wins the competitive general election, he would become the state's only openly gay legislator.

Health care workers endorse Hirshfield

Four influential unions representing thousands of nurses, heath care workers and teachers in Sonoma County have endorsed Maddy Hirshfield in the race for 5th District Supervisor.

Statesman Journal endorses Brown for secretary of state

Salem newspaper writes: Her nine years as Senate majority leader gave her experience in working with colleagues, other elected officials and everyday Oregonians.

Webb campaigns in northern Virginia

April's candidate of the month, Lawrence Webb, hopes to become Falls Church, Va.'s next city councilmember. Having already picked up key endorsements, he would be the state's first gay African American to hold public office.

Pettis leads by 7 points in new poll

An independent poll conducted last week showed Greg Pettis in a commanding position to win the Democratic primary in California's 80th Assembly District.

Lehmberg trounces opponent in Texas D.A. runoff

Rosemary Lehmberg defeated Mindy Montford last night, earning 65 percent of the vote in the runoff election for Travis County district attorney. With no Republican challenger, Lehmberg will be the presumptive winner of the general election.

Laurette Healey gets an A on education

California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Dr. Tod Burnett and Los Angeles Community College Board Trustee Georgia Mercer have endorsed 40th District State Assembly Candidate Laurette Healey.

Sinema serves as leader on LGBT issues in Arizona legislature

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema has made headlines in Arizona through her LGBT advocacy, helping to effectively kill a state ban on marriage equality as well as launching a petition drive to make anti-gay discrimination illegal.

Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles endorse Healey

Victory candidate Laurette Healey has been endorsed by the Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles in her bid for California State Assembly.

Lehmberg endorsed for Travis County, Texas DA

Victory endorsee Rosemary Lehmberg received the endorsement of the Austin American-Statesman. The paper said the Lehmberg, whose runoff election is April 8, has experience her competition can't match.

Christopher Cabaldon gets endorsement of California Democrats

The current mayor of West Sacramento won the support of the state Democratic Club in his bid for California state Assembly.

Wesley Chesbro endorses Sonoma County supervisor candidate Maddy Hirshfield

"She understands what’s at stake and has always done what’s right. She will be an excellent supervisor,” the former state senator said.

America is listening to Kern's anti-gay tirade

Since Friday, the remarks made by Rep. Kern have spread far and wide. Margaret Cho and Ellen DeGeneres have condemned her speech and the original YouTube clip has surpassed 700,000 views.

Mott Oxford cites students' appearance with legislators meeting refusal

The office of Jeanette Mott Oxford (D-St. Louis) put out a press release Thursday claiming State Rep. Jane Cunningham refused to meet with students Desiree Bain and Austyn Langston of Jackson County because “she found their appearance very difficult to look at.”

Bullying accusations at the Capitol

State Representatives including Jeanette Mott-Oxford came forward Thursday, saying fellow Representative Jane Cunningham discriminated against students during a recent lobbying day because of how they looked, and possibly their sexual orientation.

An open letter to Sally Kern

From Victory Fund CEO Chuck Wolfe: The point is this: your words have consequences. Ask Judy Shepherd -- her son, Matthew, was viciously murdered ten years ago by people who think like you.

Pettis receives labor, Democratic endorsements

Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis scored the endorsement of local and national progressive leaders last week, picking up the support of Progressive Majority, the Palm Springs Democratic Club and the San Diego/Imperial County Central Labor Council.

We're listening...

Last week, the Victory Fund released an audio recording of an Oklahoma state legislator speaking at a public meeting. She proceeded to make some jaw-dropping assertions about the LGBT community.

Gay Washington legislators celebrate expanded partnership rights

“There has been a profound shift in public understanding. It’s important for us to do as much as we can to protect our families,” said Washington state Rep. Jamie Pedersen.

Four Victory endorsees advance after Texas primary election

Lupe Valdez, Rosemary Lehmberg, Andres Pereira and Steve Kirkland will all move on to runoff or general elections. Valdez defeated three opponents, winning more than 50 percent of the vote and avoiding a runoff.

Outgoing DA endorses Lehmberg for Travis County DA

"She has risen to the position of first assistant precisely because of her leadership qualities, her judgment and her ability to set that crucial tone of respectfulness that brings people together," he said.

Flaherty wins primary election

Patrick Flaherty, candidate for Milwakee's Common Council, emerged as the top vote-getter in his primary election last night. He will go up against the second-place finisher in the general election on April 1.

Frank among he most powerful members of Congress

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank is the seventh most powerful member of the House of Representatives, according to a report released this week. Fellow Bay State Democrats Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry were ranked second and 12th in the Senate, respectively.

Connecticut legislator comes out

Connecticut State Rep. Jason Bartlett publicly came out today during a meeting with The News-Times. The announcement makes Bartlett the state’s first and only openly LGBT African American state legislator.

Laurette Healey receives sole endorsement from the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs

The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs has endorsed former Deputy State Controller Laurette Healey in the race for the 40th  Assembly District.

Kaufmann calls for apology from Rep. Rehberg

Out official and Victory endorsee Christine Kaufmann wants Republican congressman to apologize for an anti-gay gag.

Lowe helps Gainesville pass non-discrimination ordinance

Out commissioner Craig Lowe joins fellow city commissioners in protecting the rights of transgender citizens.

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.

Primary election approaches in Milwaukee

Patrick Flaherty, a candidate for Milwaukee Common Council, faces a competitive Feb. 19 primary. His election would make him the council's first openly LGBT member.

AP: Washington state gains sixth LGBT legislator

Appointment of openly gay Democrat Marko Liias gives state six openly gay lawmakers. "Voters are making decisions on people's character, and not their sexual orientation," said state Sen. Ed Murray.

Salt Lake Tribune praises lesbian Utah Rep. Christine Johnson

Editorial supports Johnson's legislation aimed at protecting LGBT citizens from workplace discrimination.

Gusciora bills to improve municipal court system advance

The New Jersey Assembly's Judiciary Committee released three bills sponsored by out Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, which will greatly improve the efficiency of municipal courts by helping municipal prosecutors more effectively carry out their assignments. 

Next: Madame Mayor?

"I want every New Yorker to hear me when I say: We are ready."

Pettis outraises all other Democratic candidates in 80th Assembly District

End of the year campaign finance filings with the Secretary of State show that Cathedral City City Councilmember Greg Pettis (D) has raised more money than any of the four other Democratic candidates in the 80th Assembly District.

Sonoma County candidate Maddy Hirshfield featured in Bay Area Reporter

Paper reports that Sonoma County has the highest concentration of same-sex households in the state. "Considering that kind of demographic, it is about time we had somebody on the Board of Supervisors who can really support all the people," said Hirshfield.

Randy Bishop featured in article on gay elected officials

Home News Tribune editorial entitled "On to the day when sexuality doesn't matter" hopes for day when sexual orientation is irrelevant in electoral politics.

Victory Fund scores first win of the year in Guam

Victory endorsee Benjamin Cruz won a special senatorial election on Saturday, capturing 41 percent of the vote.

Flaherty ahead in 3rd District cash

Gay rights activist Patrick Flaherty holds a commanding lead in fundraising for Milwaukee's 3rd Aldermanic District race, campaign finance reports show.

Chat with the nation’s first lesbian, African-American mayor

http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=features&sc3=&id=55525 

Lawmakers aim to expand domestic partnerships

http://blog.oregonlive.com/politics/2008/01/lawmakers_aim_to_expand_domest.html

OLYMPIA - After Washington enacted a law in July 2007 that gave same-sex couples legal recognition, more than 3,300 couples from all parts of the state registered as domestic partners.

In hearings Tuesday in the state's Legislature, several of those couples voiced support for a bill that would expand that law to give same-sex couples the same rights that married couples have in divorces, property, estates, taxes, and guardianships.

Pereira endorsed by Jewish Herald-Voice

The Jewish Herald-Voice has endorsed Pereira's candidacy as Judge for the 190th Civil District Court of Harris County.

Vermont Lawmaker Does Double Duty As Comic

Rep. Jason Lorber does stand-up comedy when he's not legislating.

Simmons hopes to protect stalking victims

Newly elected mayor Denise Simmons pushes for broader criteria for receiving a restraining order and more protections for victims of stalking.

Bishop to be named mayor of Neptune Township, N.J.

Victory endorsee expected to be one of two openly gay mayors in the state.

Lovell named Houston vice mayor pro-tem

Former Victory endorsee unanimously voted in by fellow City Council members

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.

Frank Ferri sworn in as Rhode Island Assemblyman

Victory endorsee Frank Ferri was sworn into office on Dec. 19, after winning a special election in Rhode Island's 22nd District. Click through to see video of the ceremony.

Dan Savage endorses Sam Adams

Nationally syndicated columnist endorses Portland mayoral candidate.

Oklahoma Corporation Commission candidate Jim Roth praised in editorial

Daily Oklahoman editorial praises Roth's diligence, omits mentions of his sexuality.

McAffrey proposes adding sexual orientation and gender to hate crimes law

Oklahoma's only gay state legislator proposes legislation, prompted by the murder of a 62-year-old gay man.

Georgia candidate loses after anti-trans lawsuit

Riverdale, Ga., City Councilwoman Michelle Bruce, one of the few openly transgender elected officials in the U.S., lost her runoff election Tuesday following a high-profile lawsuit by opponents who charged she deceived the public by identifying as female.

Ferri wins seat in Rhode Island Assembly

Victory-endorsed candidate Frank Ferri won a special election to fill a vacant Assembly seat, crediting his door-to-door campaigning and strong fundraising for the win.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram renews Joel Burns endorsement

"Our opinion hasn't changed: The Star-Telegram Editorial Board still feels strongly that Burns, 38, a Realtor and resident of the Ryan Place neighborhood, should be the voters' choice to succeed Wendy Davis."

Being gay not hindering Polis' race

The fact that Polis is gay has hardly come up in Colorado — minus some derogatory name-calling on a right-wing blog — where he is locked in an intense, ultra-expensive primary battle to replace Senate contender Mark Udall.

Miami City Council approves domestic partner health benefit policy

The North Miami City Council adopted a new Procurement Ordinance which requires certain contractors wishing to do business with the City to provide equal health benefits to domestic partners of their own employees.

Rep. Joe McDermott appointed to replace Poulsen in Senate

Openly gay state Rep. Joe McDermott will succeed Sen. Erik Poulson to represent Washington's 34th District.

Out California assemblyman has bills signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger

Openly gay California Assemblyman John Laird had two bills signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday -- one regarding water conservation and another involving the establishment of a coastal trail.

Frank Ferri faces two challengers in special election

Aspiring Rhode Island Assemblymember faces two tough opponents in the general election Nov. 27.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram endorses Joel Burns

Newspaper says the Victory endorsee "is the most knowledgeable about city issues and takes the wisest positions."

Cloutier's mayoral race too close to call

The race for Vallejo's top political seat was a statistical dead heat after voters went to the polls Tuesday.

Anti-gay flyer targets Miami Beach Commission candidate

A mysterious flier recently appeared in Miami Beach featuring, in part, a crossed-out image of the supposedly gay Teletubby Tinky-Winky. Presumably, the notice is a shot at openly gay commission candidate Frank Kruszewski.

Troy Record endorses Zalewski

Zalewski wants to bring integrity to City Council

Lydia Lavelle receives endorsement

Independent Weekly endorses Lavelle in her race for Carrboro Board of Aldermen.

Mayor Villaraigosa appoints Saltzman to LA Police Commission

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today nominated City Ethics Commission Vice President Robert Saltzman to the Los Angeles Police Commission. Saltzman, who also serves as Associate Dean of the University of Southern California law school, will replace outgoing Commissioner Shelley Freeman.

The SunPost Endorses Frank Kruszewski

Frank Kruszewski is the only candidate who not only demonstrates a solid grasp of key issues, but also has a personable demeanor that makes him accessible to all Miami Beach citizens.

Councilman raises issue of homosexuality in city race

Fort Worth City Councilman Chuck Silcox urged a group of Republicans on Wednesday to vote for Chris Turner in the nonpartisan District 9 council race because Turner is Republican and straight.

Libertarian, 2 independents enliven City Council races

"I haven't stopped since the primary," Kraus said. "We've kept it in campaign mode the entire time."

San Diego mayor backs marriage equality

The city's GOP mayor surprised just about everyone yesterday when he unexpectedly changed his position on a city council decision to support marriage rights for same-sex couples.  Councilmember Toni Atkins, an open lesbian, championed the measure.

Ken Zalewski featured in Metroland

Troy City Council candidate Ken Zalewski was featured in an article in Metroland.

Coluzzi elected in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Community activist and consultant Pat Coluzzi has become the first open lesbian elected in the state of Delaware.

California Senate may take up marriage bill again

Out Assemblyman Mark Leno will once again shepherd through the legislature a bill that would grant marriage rights to same-sex couples. 

Victory makes eight new endorsements

Eight new candidates have received the endorsement of the Victory Fund, bringing to 55 the total number of endorsed candidates so far this year.

Eleven new endorsements

The Victory Fund announced 11 new endorsements, bringing the total number of endorsed candidates this year to 46.

Domestic partners register in Washington state

A new domestic partnership law, championed by the state's LGBT legislators, took effect this week. 

Historic Japanese election ends in loss

Kanako Otsuji has lost her bid for a seat in parliament.  She was the first openly LGBT candidate backed by a major party in Japan.

Commissioner Michael Góngora Chair of “Green Ad-Hoc Committee” Holds First Meeting

The Miami Beach Mayor’s Green Ad-Hoc Committee held its first meeting since its establishment on July 17, 2007. In attendance were the following members of the committee: John Corey, Robin Jacobs, Debra Leibowitz, Mitch Novick, Patxi Pastor and Luiz Rodrigues. Commissioner Michael Góngora, chair of the committee, was also present.

Penn. Senate confirms openly gay judge

Dan Anders, a Victory-endorsed candidate for a judgeship on the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, has been unanimously confirmed by the State Senate.

Victory applauds Oakley campaign

Ed Oakley lost his bid to become the next mayor of Dallas.  Victory Fund president & CEO Chuck Wolfe issued a statement applauding Ed's historic campaign. Click through for the full text.

Colorado morphs from hate to great state

The political infrastructure of Colorado is changing as Denver and other cities elect openly LGBT leaders.

Frank, Baldwin speak up for gay Iraqis

In a letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, the two openly gay members of Congress urged the administration to take action to protect the LGBT citizens in Iraq.

U.S. Gay-Rights Groups Heartened by Political Gains

Gay rights leaders encouraged by America's progress in regards to LGBT issues.

Cicilline Endorses Hillary Clinton

Providence mayor David Cicilline endorses Hillary Clinton for president and is named Co-Chair of Clinton's Rhode Island campaign.