Today, HRC announced that Justin Unga will lead HRC’s Arizona efforts as Arizona State Manager and Stan Williams will serve as HRC’s Arizona Deputy State Manager. The new additions to the HRC team are part of a major grassroots expansion ahead of the 2018 elections called HRC Rising -- the largest strategic investment in the organization’s 38-year history, including significant investments in Arizona. Unga, who grew up in the Maryvale area of Phoenix, brings more than 10 years of political and electoral experience to the organization. Williams most recently served as Operations Director for the Arizona Democratic Party -- where he was also Training Director and Coordinated Campaign Director.

“So much is at stake for Arizona in 2018, and that’s why HRC has made this crucial investment in on-the-ground team members well before November,” said JoDee Winterhof, HRC Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs. “Justin and Stan are proud Arizonans who will work to mobilize, activate and harness the energy of our grassroots army of more than 800,000 Equality Voters across the state who will make the difference come November. As we prepare for the next battle in the fight for full LGBTQ equality, we’re excited to have Justin and Stan on the HRC team.”

Unga is the former Deputy Executive Director for the Arizona Democratic Party, where he worked from 2007 to 2012.  Subsequently, he served as U.S. Representative Kyrsten Sinema’s Communications Director during her 2012 run and during her first term in Congress.

“I've spent years bringing the stories of frustrated and worried families to our nation's capital,” said Unga. “It's never been more clear that change is in the air, and it will happen because Americans are turning out in every corner of the country to demand better from our leaders. HRC's strong investment in Arizona confirms what we've always known about our state: LGBTQ families, our allies, and Arizonans of all stripes stand ready, together, to root out discrimination and fight for full equality. We're prepared to fight -- and win.”

Williams also has extensive experience in grassroots organizing through the Arizona Advocacy Network, Enroll America and Organizing for America.

Said Williams: “Under Arizona state law I can still be fired or denied an apartment just because I happen to be gay. I'm excited to join HRC to help change that. Not just for me, but countless Arizonans who simply want to be treated with respect.”

HRC recently announced a bold, proactive grassroots expansion with the launch of HRC Rising -- a campaign to accelerate progress in states from coast-to-coast, resist the politics of hate, fight anti-LGBTQ legislation, and fuel pro-equality candidates and initiatives. HRC has identified more than 800,000 Arizonans as likely Equality Voters, meaning they are strong supporters of progressive LGBTQ policies including marriage equality, adoption by LGBTQ people, and laws that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.