John,

As you know by now, Pete Buttigieg suspended his campaign and is no longer seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. Victory Fund was proud to be Pete’s first national endorsement – announcing our support on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and just a couple miles from where the modern LGBTQ rights movement began. It is because of our community that Pete’s candidacy took off – fueling his campaign with donations and energy and providing Pete the opportunity to introduce himself to the entire country.

Victory Fund and our supporters did a lot for Pete, but Pete also did much for Victory Fund and our supporters. Pete’s candidacy opened new doors for our work and our candidates all across the country. We secured an unprecedented level of visibility and media attention, enhanced our networks across the country, and made clear the importance and impact of our mission to elect LGBTQ people. He inspired LGBTQ people to come out in valedictory speeches, to attend their first Pride parade, and to believe America has a place for them, for us. His candidacy was transformative, and importantly, it will spark a new surge in openly LGBTQ people running for office.

While Pete was the most visible candidate in the 29-year history of our organization, he was just one of the 168 candidates we have already endorsed and are working with this cycle. Tomorrow alone, we have 40 candidates on primary ballots, and our team has been providing crucial field, fundraising and media support to set them up for victory. Among them:

• Todd Gloria, who can become the first openly LGBTQ person elected mayor of San Diego;
• Gray Ellis, who can become the first out trans man elected to a state legislature anywhere in the United States; and
• Gina Ortiz Jones, who can become the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress from Texas.

I know many of you are disappointed by Pete stepping out of the race… I am too. But what better way to celebrate his candidacy than to elect more openly LGBTQ people in 2020 than ever before?

Even without Pete campaigning, 2020 will be a historic election year for our community. With more than 720 openly LGBTQ people running, Victory Fund will endorse more candidates than ever, and we can secure historic wins in parts of the country we never have. Help us continue to do this great work – and celebrate Pete’s legacy – by contributing today. Every dollar will go toward supporting openly LGBTQ candidates who can transform the country for our community.

Thanks for your support,

Mayor Annise Parker

President & CEO, Victory Fund