The Equality Illinois PAC has endorsed Lori Lightfoot for Chicago mayor.
The PAC is the only statewide political action committee dedicated to advancing justice and equality for LGBTQ people in Illinois. Lightfoot is an openly lesbian candidate.
In a statement, Chair John Litchfield said, "She is blazing an historic trail as the first openly LGBTQ person to run for chief executive of the Windy City. At a time when the Trump Administration is attacking the rights of LGBTQ people, we have the opportunity to keep Chicago moving forward. We believe Lori Lightfoot is the right candidate for the job."
"We also know how important representation in the halls of power is for LGBTQ people," added Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois. "None of America's three largest cities has elected an openly LGBTQ person to be mayor. Yet, we know that when LGBTQ people are seated at tables of power, they are able to share their stories and contribute to policies that affirm our lives. We can make history in Chicago, and show that representation matters at the highest level of municipal government."
Among other things, the PAC also cited Lightfoot's record, stating she was the first mayoral candidate to release a comprehensive LGBTQ equality policy agenda. She was also the first candidate to call for action by the Chicago Police Department to investigate the murders of Dejanay Stanton and Ciara Minaj Carter, two transgender women of color killed in Chicago in September and October 2018, respectively.
The PAC also recognized the records of a mayoral candidates Susana Mendoza and Toni Preckwinkle.