TAMPA | Tampa mayoral candidate Jane Castor has received the endorsements of Equality Florida Action PAC and LGBTQ Victory Fund, the equality-focused organizations shared ahead of the city’s municipal election March 5.
Equality Florida Action PAC is Florida’s largest political committee dedicated to electing pro-equality candidates. LGBTQ Victory Fund is the only national organization focused on increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government, which would include Castor.Castor, Tampa’s former chief of police, officially launched her campaign to become the city’s next mayor May 17. She advised Watermark May 11 that her campaign would focus on a strong foundation for the city, including building stronger neighborhoods and a stronger economy.
“People want to know that you’re going to do a good job and you’re going to serve every citizen of the community,” Castor shared. “Voters have had 31 years to test drive me and I’ve been the same. They know who I am, they know what I stand for and they know my work ethic.
“They know that I’m transparent in all I do and they know that I am a community builder,” she continued. “That’s what you’re going to get … that same person as a mayor for the city of Tampa.”
“Jane Castor represents a breakthrough moment in the movement for LGBTQ representation in Florida and is leading the wave of LGBTQ women stepping up to serve,” Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders said in a statement. “Electing a strong, seasoned and tested leader like Jane to one of Florida’s most influential local posts is a game changer for LGBTQ Floridians. Jane’s race is a top priority for Equality Florida Action PAC. We’re going to use every tool we have to support her historic campaign.”
“As a former big-city mayor, I understand well the qualifications and temperament necessary to successfully run a city like Tampa, and Jane Castor has what it takes,” former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, now President and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released in a statement.
“When you are Chief of Police, there is no papering over your job performance because you are constantly held accountable—as are mayors—and Jane has proven herself an extraordinary public servant,” she continued. “Her invaluable experience running a large agency, working with diverse communities on tough issues and ensuring the interests of the public are central to all her work makes her best positioned to be a great mayor. That she will be the first openly LGBTQ woman big-city mayor in the Southeast is both historic and equally invaluable—as the experiences of LGBTQ people make them more empathetic, values-driven leaders.”
“I am so proud to accept the endorsement of Equality Florida and The Victory Fund—two incredible organizations devoted to advancing equality across the state and country,” Castor shared following the endorsements. “As Tampa’s next Mayor, I am committed to fighting to make our city, which I love so much, an even more welcoming and accepting place.”
For more information about Equality Florida Action PAC, LGBTQ Victory Fund or their endorsements, visit EQFL.org/PAC or VictoryFund.org. For more information about Castor’s candidacy, visit JaneForMayor.com.
