The Victory Fund has endorsed the New
York City Council bid of Mel Wymore, an openly transgender candidate.
The group announced last month that it
was backing 17 candidates, bringing to 38 the total number of openly
LGBT political candidates backed by the Victory Fund so far in 2013.
Among those who received the group's
endorsement is Wymore, a 17-year member of his local Community Board.
“I've worked to achieve tangible and
sustainable improvements to quality of life on the Upper West Side,
and will work tirelessly for every one of my constituents as a member
of the NYC Council,” Wymore said in a statement. “I'm honored to
have the Victory Fund's endorsement. It will empower us to invite
more people to join our grassroots movement of engaged citizens
coming together to build more inclusive communities.”
If elected, Wymore would become the
highest-profile openly transgender elected official.
In a nod to the historic nature of the
race, the Victory Fund selected Wymore to receive one of its “Focus
Races” endorsements, an elevated status which brings with it a
large share of the group's resources and staff attention.
“We are fortunate that outstanding
leaders like Mel Wymore are stepping up to serve cities and states
across America,” said Chuck Wolfe, president
and CEO of the Victory Fund.