A Victory Fund hosted fundraiser for the organization's endorsed candidates—Cook County Circuit Court Clerk candidate Jacob Meister; state representative candidates Yoni Pizer ( 12th District ), Ken Meija-Beal ( 42nd District ) and Maggie Trevor ( 54th District ); and Cook County Circuit Court judicial candidates Levander Smith Jr., Jill Rose Quinn, Mary Cay Marubio and Brad Trowbridge—took place Feb. 17 at Wood in Boystown
Victory Fund National Campaign Board Member and Midwestern Caucus Chair Eric Wilkerson told attendees that the organization's "goal is to identify, train, recruit and help elect LGBTQ people around the country. Tonight we are here to show support for our endorsed candidates. It is critical for LGBTQ people to pause and appreciate the concept of representation, because it matters so much right now—especially in local races like the ones we have endorsed here in Illinois"
Following Wilkerson's remarks, the endorsed candidates told Windy City Times what this endorsement means to them.
"I am honored to get this endorsement," said Trevor. "Especially given the nature of the race I am running in, against state Rep. Tom Morrison, who is so clearly against LGBTQ rights; [Victory Fund's] support is so critical."
"I have been in the political arena for a long time, but this is the first time I am actually running myself," said Pizer. "To get the Victory Fund endorsement is incredibly meaningful to me. I look forward to serving the constituents of the 12th district and I am honored to be the first LGBTQ person to represent them."
"This endorsement gives me a sense of joy and accomplishment," said Meija-Beal. "I am from DuPage County and there is not a lot of LGBTQ representation there. The fact that the Victory Fund found this race and my candidacy worthy means the world to me."
"I am very proud to get this endorsement," said Meister. "The Victory Fund is a really important organization that advances our community in significant ways all across the country, especially in communities that do not have out LGBTQ officials."
"I am really glad the Victory Fund exists and does what it does to promote LGBTQ candidates like me," said Quinn. "I am happy to have their endorsement."
"It is such an honor to have the Victory Fund's endorsement because it comes from my own LGBTQ community," said Smith.
Event host committee members included Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore, state Rep. Lamont Robinson Jr. ( 5th District ), Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison ( 15th District ), Ald. Tom Tunney ( 44th Ward ), Daniel Dozier, Justin DeJong, Clark Pellett and Robert Kohl, John Litchfield and Joe Olszewski, Greg Schweizer and Wilkerson.
See VictoryFund.org .
