With his victory in Connecticut Erick Russell is the first Black gay statewide official

Democrat Erick Russell has won his election for Connecticut treasurer, making him the first Black, gay statewide officeholder in the U.S.

He thanked voters for his victory on Twitter.

Thank you to the voters of Connecticut for electing me as the next State Treasurer. I am humbled, honored, and ready to serve. pic.twitter.com/2fLpTzjHC8

— ErickRussellCT (@ErickRussellCT) November 9, 2022

A partner at the law firm Pullman & Comley, Russell ran on a platform that included responsible debt management to protect Connecticut’s bond rating, increasing the funded ratio of state pension funds, expanding financial literacy programs, and support for Connecticut’s recently passed “baby bonds” program to help address childhood poverty.

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“For far too long, people of color and the LGBTQ community have lacked equitable representation in government,” said LGBTQ Victory Fund CEO & President Annise Parker. “Erick shattered this lavender ceiling and made history.

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“His deep policy experience and grassroots support will make him an exceptional state executive. Not only is his win a sharp rebuke of the current wave of homophobia and racism plaguing our country, it’s a moment of inspiration for our community that our political future is brighter than ever.”

Russell was born in New Haven, Connecticut, where he also currently lives with his husband Chris.

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As a finance professional and partner in the public and private finance group at a top Connecticut law firm, I’ve spent my career working to build up our communities and improve people’s lives through smart investment of taxpayer dollars. pic.twitter.com/R1dZ8C8WAi

— ErickRussellCT (@ErickRussellCT) October 25, 2022

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