Randall would be the first out LGBTQ Latina ever elected to Congress and the first out LGBTQ person elected to Congress from Washington
Washington, DC – Today LPAC, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, and Equality PAC announced their endorsements of Washington State Senator Emily Randall for Washington’s 6th Congressional District following her campaign launch on Thursday. If elected, Randall would be the first out LGBTQ Latina elected to Congress and the first out LGBTQ person elected to Congress from the state of Washington.
“We are excited and proud to endorse State Senator Emily Randall in her run for Congress in Washington’s 6th congressional district, succeeding our Equality PAC Board Member Derek Kilmer. Emily will be part of a new pro-equality majority in the House that will protect trans rights, pass the Equality Act, and so much more,” said Equality PAC Co-Chairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY). “In the State Senate — and particularly as Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Emily has worked tirelessly to make Washington state one of the most inclusive and accepting places for LGBTQ Americans to live their best lives. She has stood up to bigots and helped defeat measures that would have hurt the LGBTQ community. Equality PAC’s mission has always been about making sure LGBTQ persons have a seat at the most important table in our country — Congress — when it comes to decisions that impact our community. In order to achieve this goal, it is critical that we elect qualified and battle tested LGBTQ candidates that will help us advance our pro-equality agenda in Congress. As we continue to fight extremist policies at the federal level, we need voices like Emily’s so we can support our community in every corner of our nation.”
“I’m honored to be endorsed by Victory Fund, LPAC, and Equality PAC, and will be proud to be Washington state’s first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress,” said State Senator Emily Randall. “Representation isn’t just symbolic. Having queer and trans people in office saves lives. I’m proud of my work to strengthen the safety and privacy of trans and nonbinary people, refugees, survivors of domestic violence and those seeking abortion or gender affirming care in Washington state. I will bring this same energy to Congress in advocating for good policy and voting to expand safety, privacy, and equality for all Americans.”
“Emily Randall is a proven leader for LGBTQ and women’s rights in the Washington State Senate and has established herself over the course of two extremely competitive State Senate campaigns as a formidable campaigner with deep roots in Washington’s 6th congressional district,” said Lisa Turner, Executive Director of LPAC. “LPAC was honored to stand with Emily in her previous campaigns and we are thrilled to put our full support behind her as she embarks upon this historic campaign to become the first out LGBTQ Latina ever elected to Congress. Emily has fought for LGBTQ equality, women’s rights, and social justice throughout her career, even before serving in elected office, and we know that she will continue to be a champion for our community in the halls of Congress.”
“Electing Emily Randall to Congress is a top priority for LGBTQ+ Victory Fund because we know how strongly she’ll fight to ensure our rights at the federal level,” said Annise Parker, President and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. “Emily is a champion for the LGBTQ+ community with a track record of shepherding multiple pro-equality bills through the State Senate. Emily is no stranger to being a trailblazer, having made history as one of the first out LGBTQ+ women to serve in the Washington State Senate. She’s won tough races before, and we’re confident she’ll do it again. We’re proud to endorse Emily Randall to become the next representative from Washington’s 6th District.”
Equality PAC’s mission is simple: to elect more LGBTQ+ persons to Congress — individuals who will have a seat at the table, impact the debate, and humanize the LGBTQ community’s concerns. All the funds we raise are used to elect and re-elect LGBTQ persons to Congress and secondarily support strong LGBTQ community allies who will proudly and unapologetically stand with us in the fight to pass the Equality Act and equal protection under our nation’s laws.
In the short time that Equality PAC has existed, Equality PAC has played an unmatched role in making history for the LGBTQ community, electing LGBTQ leaders at the federal level such as current House Members Sharice Davis (Kansas); Ritchie Torres (New York); Becca Balint (Vermont); Robert Garcia (California); Eric Sorensen (Illinois); Angie Craig (Minnesota); and Chris Pappas (New Hampshire), as well as former House Member Mondaire Jones (New York). Equality PAC has been instrumental in winning key races that have determined control of Congress because we know that without pro-Equality majorities, the progress our community has made and the civil rights and equal protections we have fought so hard for, and are still fighting for every day, remain in jeopardy.
