Contact: Johnathan Gooch, Equality Texas,  johnathan.gooch@equalitytexas.org 

Austin, Texas – May 20th, 2022 – Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for LGBTQ+ Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration, today endorsed Democratic Texas House Candidate Venton Jones for the May 24th primary runoff election.

“It is critically important that Equality Texans turn out en masse to vote on May 24th to ensure that we select politicians who will focus on platforms that address the needs of their communities rather than stoking fear to turn us against each other. Venton is a tireless advocate working to improve healthcare access, fighting for marginalized communities, and protecting voting rights for all Texans. We are confident he will continue this work for House District 100 when elected. Venton would also represent a number of historic firsts.  When elected, he will become the first out Black gay man openly living with HIV elected to the Texas House of Representatives and a welcome addition to the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, House District 100, and the state of Texas will greatly benefit from his leadership,” said Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas.

“I represent a new generation of leaders committed to advancing equity and justice through experience, public policy, and organizing diverse communities. I will focus my energy on what is most important – the people of House District 100 and working to earn their trust, support and vote. Across our races, backgrounds, we want to be treated with dignity and respect. We all have a role to play in fostering a district where each one of us has the freedom to be ourselves, pursue our dreams, and have a good life—no exceptions” said Venton Jones, Democratic candidate for Texas House 100 in Dallas.

Early voting for the runoff election will end tomorrow, Friday, May 20. Tuesday, May 24 is Election Day. Voters will need to bring a valid photo ID when they head to the polling sites to vote. Election Day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 24. As long as you are in line before 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.

DART will be offering free transportation on election day and no proof of voter registration is required. Riders can use the promo code VOTE22 when checking out in the GoPass app for a complimentary Adult Local Day Pass. V Absentee and mail-in ballots must be postmarked or delivered by hand by 7pm.

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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.