Former high-school principal Fernando "Sergio" Mojica announced more than a dozen endorsements from prominent local LGBTQ leaders.
Mojica is one of seven people running to replace retiring Rep. Greg Harris in Illinois' 13th District, and would be the first openly LGBTQ Latino in the Illinois General Assembly.
"The outpouring of support from my neighbors in the 13th District and Illinois LGBTQ leaders is humbling. I'm running on the shoulders of these champions who have dedicated their lives to ensure the fight for equality doesn't end until we're all equal," said Mojica in a statement. "As a public educator, I have seen how decisions made in Springfield impact our kids, especially students of color and LGBTQ youth. We can do better, and as the State Representative from the 13th District, I'll ensure that we do."
The endorsements announced by the Mojica campaign include:
Illinois state Rep. Lamont J. Robinson Jr., Illinois 5th District
Jim Bennett, former Midwest regional director at Lambda Legal
Anna DeShawn, former board president of Affinity Community Services and founder of E3 Radio
Dalila Fridi, former Equality Illinois education project chair, campaign advisor
Ryan Garrison, Chicago House board chair
Kevin Hauswirth, former Equality Illinois board member, campaign advisor
Art Johnston, Equality Illinois co-founder and Sidetrack co-owner
John Litchfield, former Equality Illinois PAC Chair and former Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago president
David Ernesto Munar, Howard Brown Health president & CEO
Channyn Lynne Parker, Howard Brown Health director of strategic partnerships
John Peller, HIV/AIDS Leader
Pepe Pena, Sidetrack co-owner
Markus Pitchford, AIDS Foundation Chicago board member and former Campus Pride board chair, campaign advisor
Modesto Tico Valle, Center on Halsted CEO
The 13th District includes parts of Lake View, Uptown, Argyle, Wrigleyville, Southport, Andersonville, Bowmanville, Ravenswood and Lincoln Square.