Human Rights Campaign Endorses Britt

On Wednesday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – announced the endorsement of Midtown resident Ken Britt for the Georgia House of Representatives.

Britt, who currently serves as a member of the Georgia Democratic Party State Committee and is an Ambassador for the Center for Civil and Human Rights, is looking to become the state's fifth openly gay member of the state legislature.

Britt is seeking the House District 56 seat that Rep. Kathy Ashe (D-Atlanta) will vacate in January 2013. The July 31 primary election will also feature former State Rep. "Able" Mable Thomas, who is seeking to reclaim the House District seat that she vacated in 2008 before her unsuccessful run for the United States Congress.

The new district includes all or part of 25 neighborhoods. It stretches from Piedmont Heights through Ansley Park, Atlantic Station, Home Park, and Georgia Tech, across the western parts of Midtown and Downtown to English Avenue, Vine City, the Atlanta University Center, Bankhead, Washington Park, Mozley Park, West End, West Lake, Dixie Hills, Peyton Forest, and Audobon Forest.

“HRC enthusiastically endorses Ken Britt for Georgia House District 56,” HRC President Joe Solmonese, said in a press release. “Ken has a lengthy record of community service and political activism, as well as the experience gained during more than 30 years in executive-level law firm administration. Serving in the Georgia House of Representatives will allow him to continue his work on important issues like equality, economic development and access to quality affordable health care.”

Solmonese said Britt has an impressive track record of leadership on progressive community and political issues. In addition to his work for the state Democratic Party, Britt was recently appointed as a Community Liaison to Congressman John Lewis’ 2012 reelection effort. Both his former employer and AID Atlanta, one of the largest AIDS service organizations, have named community service awards for Britt.

"Ken's ability to represent diverse constituencies and reach across the aisle to achieve consensus is needed in the Georgia General Assembly. When Ken is elected, the people of Georgia District 56 can rest assured that their interests will be well served,” Solmonese said.

“I am honored by the support of the Human Rights Campaign,” said Britt in the news release. “Especially because it has been a model of grassroots action in diverse communities. I appreciate HRC recognizing my experience and passion, the strength of this campaign and, particularly, the needs of the 56th District."

Also this week, Britt picked up an endorsement by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. The Victory Fund is the only national organization dedicated to increasing the number of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elected officials at all levels of government.

“I am honored by the support of the Victory Fund,” Britt said in a statement. “I entered this race to ensure that the new 56th District receives the attention and support it deserves. Kathy Ashe has been a remarkable voice in the legislature for people from all walks of life and I am committed to being the same.”

During last month’s qualifying period, Thomas said she was ready to try for another term at the state capitol.

"Driven by a sense of service and duty, I humbly offer myself for re-election to State House District 56," she said. "It is a diverse area with citizens who deserve a better quality of life; to have public safety and their property rights protected free from housing fraud and foreclosures; and to have jobs, economic development and small business expansion."