LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Spotlight Candidate Molly Cook won the special election to represent District 15 in the Texas Senate and will serve out the remaining term of now-Houston Mayor John Whitmire. Cook makes history as the first out LGBTQ+ member of the upper chamber, which is especially hostile to LGBTQ+ rights.

Cook will be on the ballot again for the primary runoff election on May 28, where she’s competing for the full term that starts next year.

Annise Parker, president & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and former Houston mayor, released the following statement:

“For too long, the LGBTQ+ community has been the punching bag of bigots in the Texas Senate. Now, they’ll have an out LGBTQ+ peer as their colleague who will look them in the eye and make them see the Texans they’re hurting. We know Molly will not only be a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ Texans, she’ll do a wonderful job fighting for the needs of all her constituents in District 15, including myself. Between now and May 28, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure another victory for Molly and the cause of equality.”

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About LGBTQ+ Victory Fund

LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates win local, state and federal elections.