Washington, DC, September 18, 2017 — Pride Fund to End Gun Violence PAC – America’s only LGBTQ political organization solely focused on gun violence prevention – today released its latest digital campaign ad, “Fighter”, highlighting Virginia Democratic delegate candidate Chris Hurst. Pride Fund is the first group to release a digital ad supporting a delegate race in the 2017 Virginia elections. This ad immediately follows the Hurst campaign’s television ad released last Friday.
Chris Hurst’s personal story, played out live on national television, drove him to public service: he was inspired to run for state delegate after his girlfriend, Alison Parker, was shot and killed on live television two years ago. This act of gun violence shook Virginia and the nation.
“Chris Hurst was jolted into public service because of tragedy. Pride Fund is supporting Chris and his campaign through direct campaign contributions, independent expenditures, and significant grassroots field efforts,” said Jason Lindsay, founder and Executive Director of Pride Fund. “Electing Chris is our top priority. We hope our ad will bring national attention to his race and give him further support in his campaign for delegate.”
Pride Fund got involved in the race early, endorsing Chris in May. We were one of his first endorsements and were the first gun reform group to support his campaign. We have worked extensively throughout the election cycle, making phone calls to voters, executing a strategic digital campaign, and introducing him to Pride Fund’s national network of activists. In July, we hosted an event with Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf, Chris and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Ralph Northam in Washington, DC. Footage from the event is featured throughout the digital ad.
Pride Fund gives the LGBTQ community a voice in the movement to pass sensible gun laws and prevent future gun tragedies. We support pro-LGBTQ candidates at the state and federal level, like Chris Hurst, who will act to reform our gun laws and improve safety in all American communities. In contrast, Chris’s opponent Joseph Yost holds an “A” rating from the NRA, and has voted to allow guns in elementary schools and arming citizens with machine guns, hand grenades, and bazookas.
“We are holding NRA-backed candidates like Joseph Yost accountable across the country. We are tired of listening to the same flawed talking points from NRA-endorsed candidates, and watching as these candidates allow 33,000 Americans to die every year from gun violence,” said Lindsay.
This cycle, Pride Fund has endorsed 21 candidates in Virginia. We endorse candidates after a thorough vetting process to test their commitment to gun safety and LGBTQ equality.
About the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence
Pride Fund to End Gun Violence (Pride Fund) is a Political Action Committee (PAC) established after the Pulse nightclub massacre, organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect pro-LGBTQ candidates at the state and federal level who support sensible gun reforms.