Five Stories You Should Know About
1. Victory Fund Candidates Put Up HUGE Fundraising Numbers
Congresswoman Angie Craig raised $1 million, bringing her cash on hand to $3.7 million. Angie’s seat is a top target for anti-equality actors with millions of dollars being spent in 2022 to try to unseat Minnesota’s first and only LGBTQ voice in Congress.
Congressman Chris Pappas raised $500,000, bringing his cash on hand to $2 million. “We are building a campaign to win in every corner of the First District, and I couldn’t be more humbled by the support I’ve received from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike who want to keep our state and our nation moving forward.” He faces a challenge from former Trump administration official Matt Mowers who committed election fraud in the 2016 primaries.
2. Becca Balint and Jasmine Beach-Ferrara Hit the Debate Stage
On Tuesday, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara faced her primary opponents in the first debate to represent the 11th district of North Carolina. “We had Mark Meadows, an empty seat, and now we have Cawthorn. I think it’s about time the people of Western North Carolina have a person who cares about them.” If elected, Jasmine would be the first out LGBTQ person to represent North Carolina in Congress!
On Wednesday, Becca Balint faced three opponents to serve in Vermont’s at-large seat in the U.S. House. If elected, Becca would be the first out woman elected to represent Vermont, and the first woman Vermont sends to Congress. During the 90-minute debate, Becca spoke of the importance of coalition building in order to pass effective legislation. Read Becca’s Twitter thread of important quotes during the debate!
3. Did Someone Say Champs??? Toasting LGBTQ Candidates at the National Champagne Brunch
This past Sunday, LGBTQ Victory Fund held our annual National Champagne Brunch. We brought together folks from across the country with one goal: supporting our LGBTQ champions running for office this year. (PICS!)
Speakers included Deputy White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Delaware state Senator Sarah McBride, Florida state Senator Shervin Jones, Arizona state Representative and candidate for Congress Daniel Hernández and Massachusetts Attorney General and candidate for governor Maura Healey.
Watch some of LGBTQ Victory Fund’s phenomenal candidates and their 2022 campaigns here!
4. Weekly Roundup: Anti-LGBTQ Bills in State Legislatures
Kentucky – On Wednesday, the Kentucky General Assembly voted to override Governor Andy Beshear’s vetoes on two bills: one effectively ending abortion access in the state and another banning trans kids from playing sports. The bill restricts access to safe abortions in the state by banning the distribution of abortion pills by mail, raises standards for minors seeking an abortion and creates an extensive tracking system that will stretch physicians thin.
Reproductive justice is critical to the full expression of our rights as members of the LGBTQ community. Both of these bills are a direct attack on the right to privacy -- a right enshrined in both Roe v. Wade (which struck down abortion bans) and Lawrence v. Texas (which struck down anti-sodomy laws). And anti-choice politicians tend to be anti-LGBTQ, too. Twice the reason to kick them out of office!
Ohio – Earlier this month, state legislators in Ohio introduced a “divisive concepts” bill that would prohibit discussion about sexual orientation, gender identity and limit discussions on race in the classroom. The bill says discussions about these issues in “any manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards” will be prohibited.
Here’s what Nickie Antonio, the first out LGBTQ person to be elected to the Ohio State Senate, had to say about it: “HB 616 is more than just about censoring LGBTQ discussion. The bill combines the worst parts of Ohio’s curriculum bans censoring topics of race and intersectionality. A more expansive version of Florida’s Recent Bill.”
Pennsylvania – Earlier this week the Pennsylvania House approved an anti-trans sports bill. The bill is a copycat of bills in other states seeking to make girls sports ‘fair.’ The bill now heads to the Senate, but Governor Tom Wolf has vowed to veto the measure if it reaches his desk. There are currently no trans state lawmakers in Pennsylvania – but Deja Alvarez is running to change that this year!
5. Texas Candidates Poised to Make History
Victory Fund interviewed three Spotlight candidates ready to shatter lavender ceilings in Texas. Venton Jones, Jolanda Jones and Christian Manuel-Hayes are poised to be the first out Black state lawmakers ever elected in Texas. Read why these candidates are choosing to run now, their message to LGBTQ people considering public office and what they want people to know about their districts.
These three candidates are in primary runoffs which will be held on May 24.
