Tina Kotek makes LGBTQ history as one of the first two lesbian US governors
Today LGBTQ Victory Fund candidate Tina Kotek won the Oregon gubernatorial race and became one of the first two out lesbian governors in U.S. history, along with Maura Healey in Massachusetts. Kotek previously made history in 2013 when she became the first out lesbian Speaker of any state House in the nation.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement:
“This is a momentous moment for Oregon and LGBTQ people across the country. Tina shattered this lavender ceiling because voters are clearly excited and enthusiastic about her vision for a more equitable, accepting future. As Speaker of the Oregon state House, she built diverse coalitions and delivered real results for her community. We are confident her experience and exceptional qualifications will make her a strong pro-equality, pro-choice leader for Oregon. With anti-LGBTQ attacks sweeping the country, her election will also surely inspire many other LGBTQ leaders to run for office.”
To reach equitable representation, the U.S. must elect two more LGBTQ governors for a total of four, according to LGBTQ Victory Institute.
Victory Fund is tracking election results at victoryfund.org/2022.
Victory Fund has been tracking the historic wave of LGBTQ+ state lawmakers elected across the nation:
- In 2022, 416 out LGBTQ people ran for state legislatures, the most in U.S. history.
- 274 of these candidates are on the ballot for the general election.
- There are currently 198 out LGBTQ state legislators in office.
- To reach equitable representation, the U.S. must elect 346 more out LGBTQ people to state legislatures.
More information about all of Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates.
LGBTQ Victory Fund
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of openly 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 openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
