Minneapolis, Minn., July 25, 2018 – The Stonewall DFL Caucus of Minnesota announced its endorsement of Margarita Ortega for Minnesota House District 62A.
“Margarita Ortega has separated herself from a crowded field and solidly positioned herself as a strong partner for LGBTQ+ Minnesotans”, said Stonewall DFL Caucus Chair Erica Mauter. “We’re impressed with her creative and diligent campaigning that engages and amplifies the voices of historically underrepresented communities.“
House District 62A includes all or part of five South Minneapolis neighborhoods – Whittier, Phillips, Ventura Village, Stevens Square-Loring Heights, and Powderhorn. Incumbent Rep. Karen Clark announced in December 2017 she would not seek reelection. Clark is the longest serving LGBTQ person in public office in the U.S. and was first elected in 1980. She will complete her term after 38 years of service. Clark has been a Stonewall DFL member and supporter since its founding in 1980.
“I am honored to the have earned the Stonewall DFL endorsement. I am proud to carry on the legacy of Rep. Karen Clark and Rep. Susan Allen in addressing LGBTQ and Two-Spirit issues. I bring with me to the House the voices of our community members whose life experiences and teachings inform policy and good decision-making,” said Ortega. “I intend to build on the work I’ve done to advocate for our youth who are facing problems such as homelessness and substance abuse. Thank you to Stonewall DFL for leading from the ground up!”
The DFL primary election will take place on Tuesday, August 14.
Endorsed candidates meet or exceed Stonewall DFL’s screening criteria as set forth by its Political Support Committee and affirmed by at least 60 percent of the Stonewall DFL Board of Directors.
About Stonewall DFL
Stonewall DFL works for a safe and equitable Minnesota by electing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allied Democrats to public office in Minnesota and to party office in the Minnesota DFL. The caucus offers endorsements for local, state and federal DFL candidates who support equality for all Minnesotans. Stonewall DFL provides endorsed candidates with both financial and volunteer support whenever possible. The Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis to carry out the business of the caucus and is open to the public. For information, visit MNStonewallDFL.org, join its Facebook page or follow @StonewallDFL on Twitter.
The Minnesota Stonewall DFL Caucus was first organized in August 1980 as the LGBTF Caucus. Its charter was recognized by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota in 1982 and was renamed Stonewall DFL in 1992. Today, Stonewall is the DFL’s oldest and most active community caucus and the oldest continuously-operating political advocacy organization whose mission is to promote LGBTQ equality across the state of Minnesota.
Contact:
Erica Mauter
[email protected]
612-237-5372