Democrats Nominate 3 Out Black LGBTQ Candidates for Texas House
Last week’s primary runoffs in Texas offered good news for advocates of diversity and the LGBTQ community, with three out LGBTQ Black candidates winning their contests.Prior to 2022, Texas voters had never elected an out Black LGBTQ person to the state legislature, even though a handful of LGBTQ legislators were elected in other districts.
But starting in February, with the special election victory of Jolanda Jones for the 147th District seat vacated by Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston), that losing streak ended.Jones, who became the first out LGBTQ Black legislator in state history, followed up that victory with another win on Tuesday, setting her up for the general election for a full two-year term.Jones, a former member of the Houston City Council and the Houston School Board, ran on a platform advocating for affordable health care, better employment opportunities, public safety, and support for public education.
She was endorsed in both the special and primary elections by several state legislators, Black Democratic organizations, and LGBTQ groups, including LGBTQ Victory Fund, an organization dedicated to electing out LGBTQ individuals to public office.Annise Parker, a former mayor of Houston who now serves as president and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, praised Jones’ experience and qualifications, calling her a “natural leader and fierce advocate” dedicated to achieving “fairness and equity.”“With so much prejudice plaguing our society, Jolanda’s win is a beacon of hope and demonstrates voters are motivated to elect leaders that reflect the real America who are ready to enact meaningful change,” Parker said in a statement.
