The PAC endorses candidates who have demonstrated support for legislation and issues that positively impact Latinos and the LGBT community.

“Honor PAC continues to be an important advocate for LGBT and Latino communities in critical races throughout the state including Los Angeles,” said Alfred Fraijo Jr. President of HONOR PAC. “These candidates have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the most pressing issues affecting the Latino and LGBT communities, and we are confident they will be strong allies to our cause when elected to office. We look forward to working with these candidates to advance our collective vision of achieving equality for all.”

The newly endorsed candidates are:

David Vela — Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees
Wendy Greuel — Los Angeles Mayor
Ron Galperin — Los Angeles City Controller
Matt Szabo — Los Angeles City Council District 13
Mike Bonin — Los Angeles City Council District 11
Ana Cubas — Los Angeles City Council District 9

HONOR PAC’s endorsements include candidates whose election would be historic. If elected to the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees, David Vela — a Montebello School Board Member and a founding board member of HONOR PAC—would be the first openly LGBT person to hold that seat. Ron Galperin would become the first openly LGBT citywide officeholder if elected Controller and Wendy Greuel would make history as the first woman mayor.

“It is exciting to see so many openly LGBT candidates seeking office this election cycle,” said Fraijo. “Our PAC is committed to helping these candidates succeed and make history in each of their races, one glass ceiling at a time.”

HONOR PAC’s Board of Directors conducts a holistic candidate review process to select its slate of endorsements based on the PAC’s stated mission and priorities. Candidates seeking an endorsement complete a questionnaire detailing their positions and leadership on issues of importance to the Latino and LGBT community. These issues include equal rights, education, health care, immigration, and marriage equality. The Board then conducts in-person interviews and makes a formal vote for endorsement. Each endorsed candidate receives a financial contribution to help their campaign efforts.

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Founded in 2005, HONOR PAC advocates for the political empowerment of the Latino/a LGBT community by endorsing and financially supporting candidates who are committed to advancing Latina/o and LGBT rights in California.  Since its founding, HONOR PAC has raised over $100,000 and has endorsed dozens of candidates for local and statewide positions, establishing itself as the premiere Latino/a LGBT Political Action Committee in California. For more information please visit www.honorpac.org.

The post HONOR PAC Backs Greuel for Mayor, Endorses in Five Other Competitive Los Angeles Races appeared first on Honor PAC.

HONOR PAC congratulates its endorsed candidates for advancing progressive policies that serve the unique needs and interests of Latina/o LGBT communities. Each year, the number of Latino/a LGBT candidates running for office increases which is a testament to the growing influence of our community and the political power we constantly work to build.

Our board of directors is committed to continuing our work to support candidates who match our mission objectives in empowering the Latino LGBT community.

Congratulations to (Pictured below clockwise) Speaker John Perez
Senators-elect Ricardo Lara, Cathleen Galgiani, Assemblymember-elects Susan Eggman,
Christina Garcia, Anthony Rendon, San Francisco Supervisor elect- David Campos, Sacramento Councilmember-elect Steve Hansen

The post Congratulations to Our 2012 Endorsed Candidates appeared first on Honor PAC.

The HONOR PAC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the election of Jesse Melgar, account executive with Cerrell Associates’ Campaigns & Issues Management practice area, as the Vice President of Communications.

“I am honored to join this distinguished organization in continuing to fight for Latino LGBT communities,” said Melgar. “I look forward to working with my fellow board members to promote candidates and initiatives that support our mission.”

Melgar joins the Honor PAC board of directors having demonstrated exemplary leadership in Los Angeles, as well as the Inland Empire.

“Jesse brings years of public affairs and communications expertise with him to our board of directors,” said Alfred Fraijo Jr., Honor PAC President and Partner at Sheppard Mullin. “His leadership in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles make him an ideal and welcome addition to our growing board.”

Melgar is an account executive at Cerrell Associates and works on many of the firm’s high-profile corporate, non-profit, and public sector clients. Melgar holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles with double majors in Chicano Studies and Political Science.

The post Public Affairs Professional Jesse Melgar Elected Vice President of Communications for the HONOR PAC Board appeared first on Honor PAC.

“Raul and Lillian will both serve the Long Beach community well on the Mitigation Grant Advisory Committee,” said Mayor Foster.   “Lillian has more than 30 years of experience with port interests, environmental issues and grant management.  Raul has been working tirelessly in the Long Beach community.”

Añorve is an active volunteer in Long Beach.  He currently serves on the Human Relations Commission and on the board of directors for the Long Beach Gay & Lesbian Center.  He is also a graduate of the Leadership Long Beach program.

Kawasaki has an extensive background in sustainability through her 12 years with the Port of Los Angeles, and her own consulting company specializing in environment, energy and green economic issues.  She was elected in 2006 as a board member of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California.  She is an eight-year Long Beach resident.

The Mitigation Grant Advisory Committee helps select projects for funding under the Port Grant Program, made possible by the approval of the Middle Harbor redevelopment project.  The committee appointment is a two-year term and does not require City Council or Harbor Commission approval.

The post Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster Announces Appointment Of HONOR PAC Board Member To The Mitigation Grant Advisory Committee appeared first on Honor PAC.

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