Equality California, Silver State Equality Endorse Pete Buttigieg For President

Equality California and its Nevada-based affiliate Silver State Equality on Thursday endorsed Pete Buttigieg for president.

In a press release, the groups said that the decision to endorse Buttigieg was unanimous.

“The decision was reached unanimously by the groups’ joint presidential endorsement committee following a lengthy process that included a detailed questionnaire, thorough evaluation of the candidates’ viability and policy positions, staff engagement and interviews with the candidates,” the groups said.

Buttigieg, the nation's first openly gay and married presidential candidate, said that he was honored to receive the endorsements.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsements of Equality California and Silver State Equality, two organizations that have been unrelenting in their fight for LGBTQ+ people and our push for full equality,” Buttigieg said. “My campaign is based around a shared future of belonging for all Americans, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. President Trump’s attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, especially our trans members, have shown us that the fight for equal rights did not end with marriage equality. I will be the President to continue that fight for equality for all Americans.”

The groups said that “every top tier 2020 presidential candidate” sought its endorsements. They said that they were also impressed with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Tom Steyer.

Buttigieg “has the boldest, most comprehensive agenda to achieve full, lived equality for all LGBTQ people of any presidential candidate in the nation's history,” the groups said.

“This will be the most important election in our lifetimes – and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Donald Trump and Mike Pence have spent every day of the last three years attacking LGBTQ people and the diverse communities to which we belong: immigrant communities, communities of color, the transgender community, women and religious minorities. Mayor Pete is the best candidate to take on Donald Trump, win back the White House and help lead the fight to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people.”

“While we did not endorse Mayor Pete simply because he’s gay, the historic nature of his candidacy has already had a transformational impact on the LGBTQ community. Electing the first openly LGBTQ president will send a message to millions of LGBTQ youth across the country that no dreams are too big and no leadership position is too high,” they added.