WASHINGTON — Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) PAC, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, announced that they are proudly endorsing New York State Senator Tim Kennedy in the April 30th special election for NY’s 26th Congressional District. HRC PAC is committed to engaging its volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize the more than 190,000 Equality Voters in NY-26 in support of Kennedy.

“Senator Tim Kennedy has been an unapologetic champion for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, dating back to his support of the Marriage Equality Act of 2011,” said Reg Calcagno, Human Rights Campaign Director, National Campaigns. “He has dedicated his career to preserving the wellbeing and education of our youth, defending our basic freedoms, and making New York safer for all. Congress needs his commitment to imagining a better future for the next generation, and we cannot wait to make sure LGBTQ+ and allied voters show up for him at the ballot box. Because when we show up, we win.”

"I'm truly honored to receive the endorsement from the Human Rights Campaign, and I wholeheartedly intend to prioritize the same LGBTQ and civil rights protections that I've advanced as a State Senator in Albany when I head to Washington," said Senator Tim Kennedy. "As MAGA extremists in D.C. attempt to dismantle the rights of Americans, I promise to uphold the freedoms and safety of the diverse communities that make our country more vibrant, and I commit to continuing to foster inclusive policies and dialogues."

A longtime champion for equality, Tim Kennedy has served in the New York State Senate since 2011. That year, Kennedy cast his first vote in support of marriage equality, voting in favor of the Marriage Equality Act. He has been an unwavering advocate for LGBTQ+ people, especially students, throughout his time in the legislature. Kennedy was named Chair of the Senate’s Transportation Committee in 2018, where he helped lead record investments in transportation infrastructure. The Senator has championed reproductive freedom, funding for public education, and stronger gun safety laws throughout his tenure, and will bring that fight to Congress.

HRC’s Commitment to NY-26

Equality Voters, including the more than 190,000 in NY-26, are a voting bloc of demographically and geographically diverse Americans who are united by the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality. Equality Voters are younger, more racially diverse, and more female than the general electorate, they recognize and trust the HRC brand, and they are more likely to identify with issue-specific organizations than candidates or political parties. With this endorsement, HRC PAC will work to engage and mobilize Equality Voters in support of Senator Tim Kennedy.

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