Today the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization – announced its endorsement of Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) for reelection to the U.S. Senate in the 2022 election.

The HRC also announced that it will be committing more resources to the state, starting with hiring Dewayne Johnson II as the organization’s first-ever State Director in Georgia. Dewayne will lead efforts to advance LGBTQ+ rights in every corner of the state, at the ballot box and at the State Capitol – working closely with partner organizations to defeat any anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and promote LGBTQ+ equality.

HRC will be hiring in-state staff over the coming months – including a team of field organizers – who will remain in the state beyond the election.

Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison released the following statement:

“We’re proud to endorse the reelection of Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock, who has been a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community. We thank Sen. Warnock for joining our movement to pass the Equality Act and know he will continue to be unwavering in his fight for LGBTQ+ equality in Georgia.

HRC helped mobilize Georgia voters, who delivered historic victories in the 2020 general election. But our work is far from over – especially as Georgians’ freedom to vote has faced unrelenting attacks. We’re committing more resources to elect pro-equality leaders and defeat any attempts to pass discriminatory legislation that will harm LGBTQ+ Georgians. We are thrilled to have Dewayne – who brings a wealth of experience in community organizing and political advocacy – lead this effort as we continue to work for full LGBTQ+ equality in the Peach State.”

Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock released the following statement:

“The Human Rights Campaign has led our country in the struggle to ensure all – not just some – of us have access to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I’m honored to have earned their endorsement, and I remain committed to fighting for the dignity and full equality that all LGBTQ+ Georgians deserve. I look forward to continuing to partner with HRC to support the LGTBQ+ community in Georgia and across the country.”

Human Rights Campaign Georgia State Director Dewayne Johnson released the following statement:

“I am honored to join the Human Rights Campaign and lead our team on the ground here in Georgia. Now more than ever, we need to fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ Georgians, particularly our transgender community whose rights are under attack in Georgia and in states across the country. This issue is personal to me, and I’m looking forward to getting to work to build a more equal, safer Georgia for all.”

Prior to joining HRC, Dewayne, a Georgia resident, served as a Field Director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) within the National Political Advocacy Department. Dewayne has worked for leading national and local organizations advancing equality, including the Education Not Incarceration Network, Southern Poverty Law Center, Dream Defenders Action Fund, and others. Dewayne is an alumnus of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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