The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced it has endorsed Sean Patrick Maloney, a Democrat, in his race for Congress.  Maloney, who is running in New York’s 18th Congressional District, becomes the eighth federal candidate to receive Victory’s endorsement in 2012, a new record for the group.

“Sean will be New York’s first openly gay Member of Congress, and his victory will give all LGBT Americans another strong voice on Capitol Hill,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

“Victory Fund’s endorsement is key, and I am especially grateful for their support,” said Maloney. “Throughout my career, I have pushed hard for LGBT equality, and will continue doing so in Congress.  This is in direct contrast to a freshman class of Tea Party Republicans, who, while claiming to advocate for fiscal restraint, have spent nearly a million dollars in taxpayer money to defend DOMA.”

Maloney was previously an adviser to President Bill Clinton, and was the youngest person ever appointed to serve as White House staff secretary.  He has since served as a top adviser to New York Governors Elliot Spitzer and David Paterson, and is currently a partner in a New York law firm.

His endorsement was approved by the Victory Campaign Board among a slate of 18 candidates put forward in April.  Victory has now endorsed 105 candidates for races in 2012, and the group expects that number will reach 200 before Election Day this November.