“Today, Tampa voters made history by electing Jane Castor as the city’s first openly LGBTQ mayor,” said HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof. “HRC was proud to endorse Castor and help turn out the vote in her historic election. We congratulate Jane Castor on her victory and look forward to working closely with her to ensure the city continues to move forward as an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.”

Jane Castor served 31 years at the Tampa Police Department, most recently as Police Chief from 2009 to 2015. She was the department’s first woman and openly LGBTQ chief. Under Jane’s leadership as police chief, Tampa’s crime rates decreased by 72 percent. Castor brought efficiency, accountability and real problem solving to the Tampa Police Department. Castor was also endorsed by the Tampa Bay Times, Equality Florida Action PAC, Emily’s List, Ruth’s List, Victory Fund, LPAC, Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus and Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organizations 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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