LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Endorses Jackson for Red Bank Council for Second Time in a Row

National organization again endorses candidate as a strong representative for equality

RED BANK, NJ –LGBTQ+ Victory Fund—the only national organization dedicated to

electing LGBTQ people to public office—endorsed John Jackson for Red Bank Council in May’s nonpartisan election. Victory Fund had also endorsed Jackson in November 2022 in their first run for Council.

An endorsement that signals a win

The endorsement indicates that Victory Fund believes Jackson will continue to be a voice for equality and fairness. The endorsement also reflects the organization’s view that Jackson is well-positioned for re-election, as a realistic plan to win is a requirement for endorsement. In 2022, 71% of Victory-endorsed candidates won their races to achieve historic levels of LGBTQ+ representation across the country (vs 48% for non-endorsed LGBTQ+ candidates).

Severely underrepresented in national and state government

LGBTQ+ representation is very low with just 0.2% of elected positions nationwide held by LGBTQ+ individuals, despite comprising ~7.1% of the U.S. population, according to LGBTQ Victory Institute. New Jersey is on par with this national average, as 0.19% of elected NJ officials identify as LGBTQ+ according to 2021 statistics. If re-elected, Jackson will be the only openly gay man serving on Red Bank Council.

Jackson’s priorities as leader

Jackson’s top campaign issues—a continuation of the platform from their first run—include affordable housing, ensuring an updated and safe infrastructure, and upgrading and maximizing use of open/green spaces. The committees that Jackson serves on include Parks and Recreation as Chair, Public Utilities (DPU), Code Enforcement, and liaison for the Rent Leveling Board. Jackson is also an active member of both the state and Monmouth County Democratic LGBTQ caucuses.

For more information about Jackson’s candidacy, visit redbanktogether.org.

For more information about LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, visit victoryfund.org.