Washington, DC – The Board of Equality PAC, a political action committee formed by leaders of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, announced today their endorsements of Denise Juneau, running for Congress in Montana’s at-large seat, and Brady Walkinshaw and Joe McDermott who are both vying to represent Washington’s 7th District in Congress.
“This year we are seeing more and more LGBT leaders put themselves on the line and run for office,” said Equality PAC Co-Chair Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO). “Brady Walkinshaw, Joe McDermott and Denise Juneau have all demonstrated time and again that they will be strong fighters for LGBT equality. Having more LGBT representation in Congress is vital to making sure our community’s perspective, values and priorities are part of the agenda. As my friend Barney Frank always said, ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.’ Having more strong LGBT public servants like Brady, Joe and Denise will elevate the conversation around LGBT issues and is vital to achieving full LGBT equality.”
“Montanans deserve someone in the U.S. House who fights for access to a quality education, the opportunity to build a brighter future, and our cherished public lands – no matter their zip code or who they love,” Montana State Superintendent Denise Juneau said. “I’m honored to have the support of Equality PAC, a group that knows I’ll always fight for all Montanans.”
“The movement for equality spurred much of my political activism and passion to affect change through our political system,” said Washington State Representative Brady Walkinshaw. “I’m honored by this endorsement, and devoted to protecting the gains we’ve made while accelerating our push for true equality with our transgender siblings and supporting movements for gender equity in our country.”
“Receiving Equality PAC’s endorsement is an honor and highlight of my campaign. I’ve spent the past fifteen years delivering for the LGBTQ community here in Washington state, from passing anti-discrimination laws to adding protections for the transgender community to winning marriage equality,” said King County Councilmember Joe McDermott. “These results mattered to me, my husband, and thousands of people in our state. But there is so much more to do to end discrimination and achieve full equality across our country. I’m excited to be endorsed by these national leaders fighting to deliver on this important work in Congress.”
The purpose of Equality PAC is to work to bring nearer the full legal and societal equality of LGBT persons and creating a legislative environment that is conducive to that goal. The Board of Directors includes Co-Chairs Representatives Jared Polis (D-CO) and Mark Takano (D-CA), who are also Co-Chairs of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, and Board Members Representative David Cicilline (D-RI), also an LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Dan Kildee (D-MI), a Vice-Chair of the Caucus, and Caucus members Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Joseph Kennedy, III (D-MA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Gwen Moore (D-WI).
