Dear John,

In 2019, what many have called an “off-election year,” Victory Fund endorsed more LGBTQ candidates than in any other odd-numbered year in our organization’s history. There were 111 Victory Fund endorsed candidates on the ballot last night. And I’m excited to report that as of right now, 80 Victory Fund candidates have won their races – and that’s not counting those that are still too close to call.

We won races in state legislatures and city councils and defended a huge slate of LGBTQ incumbents, including Virginia Delegate Danica Roem, who faced transphobic attacks from her opponent in the final weeks of the campaign. Eliz Markowitz earned a first place spot and is headed to a runoff, nearly flipping a legislature that continues to push forward extremist anti-LGBTQ bills. We made LGBTQ history in Boston and Indianapolis, (Mike Pence’s backyard, John!), electing LGBTQ women to each city council for the first time. And we elected the first openly trans woman in Massachusetts history – a huge step forward for the state.

And while we celebrate today’s progress, there’s still more work to be done. Consider contributing today to help boost our continued progress in 2020.

These candidates crossed the finish line thanks to generous supporters like you. We raised more than $370,000 for our candidates, including over $120,000 to support Danica Roem’s reelection campaign and help her fend off those anti-trans attacks. We provided campaign advice, fundraising support and media visibility for our candidates to help ensure they made history.  

But this year’s story is about more than just last night. Earlier we made 2019 the Year of the Lesbian Mayor – electing mayors for the first time in Chicago, Tampa and Madison, Wisconsin. I was on the ground with Lori Lightfoot when she won in Chicago and took my title as the highest-ranking LGBTQ mayor in U.S. history – and I was happy to pass the torch.

As you can see, it has been an exciting “off year” for Victory Fund and for our entire community. When I first ran, I dreamed of media headlines like the ones we’ve seen in the past 24 hours. And because of dedicated supporters like you – this has become our new reality.

But there is no time to rest. My team and I are going right back to work. In 2020, we expect to endorse more than 500 LGBTQ people for positions from local school boards to the U.S. Congress. Help us get off to a strong start: a contribution today ensures we can support a historic number of candidates in 2020.

Let’s get back to work.

Thanks again,

Mayor Annise Parker

President & CEO, LGBTQ Victory Fund