The state's most prominent gay rights advocacy group endorsed Stacey Abrams, the latest left-leaning organization to support the Democrat's campaign for governor ahead of May 22 primary.
Georgia Equality said it backed the former Georgia House minority leader over her rival, ex-state Rep. Stacey Evans, after an extensive process that included surveys and interviews. Both have championed LGBTQ rights and have prominent supporters in Georgia’s gay community.
Jeff Graham, the group’s executive director, said that Abrams’ approach of pursuing left-leaning voters who rarely cast ballots in midterm elections rather than appealing to moderates, independents and disaffected Republicans helped win the board over.
“Not only is she exceptionally strong on LGBTQ issues, I believe she has an effective strategy to win in November,” he said, adding that she has “been instrumental in building the progressive infrastructure” around the state.
Abrams has won the lion's share of endorsements from well-known advocacy groups, including Planned Parenthood and the Georgia Association of Educators. The most prominent organization to back Evans so far is the Georgia Federation for Teachers.
The LGBTQ vote is increasingly important, particularly in metro Atlanta contests.
There were at least 16 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender candidates on the ballots in last November's election, a collection of city races and special elections. The state's only transgender elected official was among the victors.
And both Abrams and Evans have actively courted gay voters and attended events like last year’s Atlanta Pride Parade. It’s believed to be the first time a credible candidate for governor participated in the parade.
Read more recent AJC coverage of the governor’s race:
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