Fabian Nelson favored to be Mississippi’s first out LGBTQ+ lawmaker following runoff win
Mississippi and Louisiana are the only U.S. states to have never elected an out LGBTQ+ person to the state legislature, but gay foster dad Fabian Nelson could change that.
Democratic voters in Mississippi’s 66th State House District made history on Tuesday by nominating Fabian Nelson in the primary runoff for state representative. With this victory in a highly Democratic district, Fabian is set to become Mississippi’s first out LGBTQ+ lawmaker following the November general election. Mississippi and Louisiana are the only U.S. states to have never elected an out LGBTQ+ person to the state legislature.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, released the following statement: “Representation matters – especially in Mississippi, which is one of the last two states to achieve the milestone of electing an out LGBTQ+ lawmaker. Voters in Mississippi should be proud of the history they’ve made but also proud to know they’ll be well-represented by Fabian. Fabian’s victory is a testament to his dedication to his community and the thoughtful, diligent work he put into winning this campaign. LGBTQ+ Victory Fund proudly went all-in for Fabian—and for effective leadership in Mississippi—providing training, consulting and on-the-ground support. We look forward to seeing him take his seat in the legislature and champion a better Mississippi for all.”
Nelson, 38, is a real estate agent with an interest in first home ownership and financial literacy, according to an interview with LGBTQ Nation. He also has degrees in Science and Business and is focusing his political platform on funding education, expanding Medicaid, and addressing crime in District 66.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
More information about Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates.
