Post submitted by Ianthe Metzger, Former Press Secretary, State & Local 

HRC announced its endorsement of Steve Sisolak for Nevada Governor. In November, Sisolak will face Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who has a long record demonizing and attacking the LGBTQ community.

“Steve Sisolak is the clear choice for Nevada voters and the champion we need to move equality forward across the Silver State,” said HRC Nevada State Director Briana Escamilla. “As Governor, he will work to protect our hard fought progress and ensure that our state remains welcoming and open to all. HRC is proud to endorse his candidacy for Governor and we look forward to turning out the pro-equality vote for Steve Sisolak this November.”

“I am proud to have the support of the Human Rights Campaign,” said Steve Sisolak. “Across the country, we have taken enormous strides in ensuring equality and justice for all communities. But there is still so much more work to be done. As governor, I will continue to fight for the protections that our LGBTQ+ community deserves and work towards true representation and equality. I am honored to have HRC by my side.”

As the current chairman of the Clark County Commission and a former member of the Nevada Board of Regents, Sisolak has a long career serving the people of Nevada. He is a strong advocate for LGBTQ equality who supports marriage equality and non-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community in all aspects of life. Sisolak’s opponent, AG Adam Laxalt, is no friend to the LGBTQ community. Laxalt opposes marriage equality, previously vowing to “vigorously” defend the state’s now defunct marriage ban, and supports banning LGBTQ people from serving openly in the military. Laxalt has also supported a license to discriminate in the health care system that would prioritize physicians’ beliefs over life-saving patient care, and opposes the Obama Administration’s live-saving guidance protecting LGBTQ youth facing discrimination and bullying in our schools.

In Nevada, HRC has identified more than 600,000 “Equality Voters” -- voters who support LGBTQ-inclusive policies including marriage equality, equitable family law, and laws that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. HRC has prioritized investments and organizing in Nevada in the 2018 cycle, and has already put staff and resources on the ground in the state. Last year, HRC announced a coast-to-coast campaign called HRC Rising, which represents the largest grassroots expansion in the organization’s 38-year history.