WASHINGTON — Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, announced endorsements Wednesday of Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin for California’s Congressional District 15 and Jay Chen for California’s Congressional District 45. The announcement ahead of this weekend’s California Democratic Party Convention followed the organization’s endorsement of Christy Smith for Congressional District 27 on Monday.

“Assemblymember Mullin has been an steadfast ally and champion for LGBTQ+ Californians in the Legislature,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “His track record of supporting pro-equality legislation over the years underscores his commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ civil rights, and we are proud to support his campaign.”

Mullin is running for an open seat, with incumbent Congresswoman Jackie Speier retiring at the end of this term. Speier has endorsed Mullin, her longtime mentee, to succeed her. Mullin has been an effective legislator in Sacramento, with 60 of his bills signed into law during his tenure, including landmark legislation backed by Equality California pioneering all vote-by-mail elections and combating dark money in state campaigns. In addition, Mullin has received a lifetime 100% pro-equality score from Equality California during his nine years in the Assembly.

Jay Chen is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves, a small business owner and the President of the Board of Trustees for Mt. San Antonio Community College. As Board President, Chen created innovative programs, including Mandarin language immersion classes, a culinary arts program, and free SAT tutoring. In addition, he has worked on maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students. In 2008, he led Mandarin-language outreach to voters for the campaign against Proposition 8 in Orange County.

“This race gives Orange County voters a clear choice between pro-Trump, anti-LGBTQ+ extremist Michelle Steel and pro-democracy, pro-equality champion Jay Chen,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “While Michelle Steel pals around with insurrectionists like Marjorie Taylor Green, Jay Chen is focused on serving our country, protecting democracy and delivering common-sense results for his neighbors. Jay has been a consistent ally to LGBTQ+ Californians, and we are confident he will be an important voice in our work to achieve full, lived equality for all.”

For a full list of Equality California’s 2022 endorsements to date, visit eqca.org/elections.