Emily Reilly received the sole endorsement of Equality California today in her race for the State Assembly. Reilly is running in the 27th district, which includes parts of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara counties.
"The 27th Assembly District is a key seat for the LGBT community," said Alice Kessler, Government Affairs Director for Equality California. "EQCA-PAC is pleased to endorse former Mayor Reilly, who has been a strong ally to the LGBT community throughout her career and who has also received the endorsement of the GLBT Alliance of Santa Cruz County. We have no doubt that former Mayor Reilly will carry the torch for equality in a district where unfortunately we are losing LGBT representation due to term limits."
EQCA is California's leading LGBT rights advocacy group and has played an important role in educating the public about marriage equality and in supporting pro-equality candidates. Due to EQCA's efforts, California now has more comprehensive LGBT civil rights protections than any other state in the nation.
"I am so proud to receive the endorsement of Equality California," said Reilly. "The 27th district has a strong leader on LGBT rights and marriage equality in John Laird. I intend to continue John's work in the Assembly on behalf of marriage equality and equal rights for the LGBT community."
Reilly has received a number of high-profile endorsements, including those of California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, former State Controller Steve Westly, Board of Equalization Vice-Chair Betty Yee, Assemblymember Patty Berg, The California Nurses Association, the California League of Conservation Voters, Vote the Coast, the Women's Political Committee, Democratic Activists for Women Now, United Transportation Union Local 23, the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 505, the GLBT Alliance and a wide range of community leaders.
Reilly is a member of the Santa Cruz City Council and a former two-term Mayor. The Assembly seat is currently held by John Laird, who is termed out in January 2009.
