HRC announced its endorsement of Mark Kelly in his bid for the U.S. Senate.

Mark Kelly has been a steadfast ally for the LGBTQ community throughout his life and in his work with Giffords helping protect Americans from gun violence. Kelly has committed that should he be elected, he would co-sponsor and vote in favor of the Equality Act, crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, protections for LGBTQ people under our nation's existing civil rights laws. 

“Mark Kelly has been one of our community’s strongest advocates and we’re proud to stand by his side as he runs for Senate,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “Kelly’s demonstrated record and commitment of support for LGBTQ people and families stands in stark contrast with his opponent, who has refused to support non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people despite over 68% of Arizonans supporting those protections. The Human Rights Campaign is committed to mobilizing the 800,000 Equality Voters across Arizona to send Mark Kelly to the U.S. Senate to continue moving equality forward for all Americans.”

“I'm proud to earn the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign and the trust that comes along with it to be a voice for equality in the United States Senate,” said Mark Kelly. “Arizona is one of dozens of states where our LGBTQ neighbors aren't protected from discrimination because of who they are. It's wrong that LGBTQ Arizonans can be married one day and fired for that marriage the next. Together we'll fight to ensure that LGBTQ Arizonans have equal protections under the law and the opportunity to earn a living and raise a family without fear.”

HRC has prioritized investments and organizing in Arizona for more than two years, and had 18 staff on the ground in the state in the closing days of the 2018 election as part of the largest grassroots expansion in the organization’s history. In the final four days of GOTV in Arizona, HRC members and supporters completed over 450 volunteer shifts and knocked on over 12,000 doors for then-Rep. Kyrsten Sinema’s successful bid to become the first openly bisexual U.S. Senator. HRC volunteers also sent over 43,000 text messages in the final weeks. Working with scores of partner organizations, HRC also led field organizing efforts around the state to mobilize voters in support of HRC-backed, pro-equality champions including Senator Sinema, Representatives Kirkpatrick and Stanton, and others who will fight for LGBTQ rights, and for the rights and welfare of all Arizonans.