Washington– Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – announced its endorsement of Annise Parker for re-election as Mayor of Houston.  As Mayor of the country’s fourth-largest city, Parker has worked tirelessly and effectively to improve Houston’s economy and provide stellar living conditions for all Houstonians.  HRC pointed to Forbes Magazine naming Houston number one on its list of America’s Coolest Cities to live in and number two on its list of Fastest Growing American Cities.

“As mayor, Annise Parker has presided over an economic boom that has improved the lives of millions and put Houston on the cutting edge of urban renewal,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Under her leadership, Houston has become one of the most desirable cities for Americans to live in, and she has done all of this with a commitment to fairness and equality for everyone.”

“I am proud to have been elected mayor by Houstonians who believe the strongest qualification for public office is what you do, not who you are,” said Mayor Annise Parker. “And I am honored to stand side-by-side with the members of the Human Rights Campaign as we strive to make that most essential American value—equality—a reality for everyone.”

Annise Parker has the public- and private-sector experience necessary to serve the 2.1 million people who call Houston home.  Before being elected mayor, Parker spent 20 years in Houston’s oil and gas industry before serving six years as a city councilmember and six years as city controller.  Parker heads the largest city in America ever to be governed by an openly gay person.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.