The Victory Fund announced today it endorsed 17 candidates in February, bringing to 38 the total number of openly LGBT political candidates backed by the group so far in 2013.

Included in the new slate is Mel Wymore, an openly transgender candidate who is running for a seat on the New York City Council.  Wymore has worked to better his Upper West Side neighborhood for more than 20 years, including 17 as a member of his local Community Board.  He will be competing for an open seat on the Council.

“I’ve worked to achieve tangible and sustainable improvements to quality of life on the Upper West Side, and will work tirelessly for every one of my constituents as a Member of  the NYC Council,” said Wymore.  ”I’m honored to have the Victory Fund’s endorsement.  It will empower us to invite more people to get involved and join the campaign, and that’s really exciting.”

“We are fortunate that outstanding LGBT leaders like Mel Wymore are stepping up to serve cities and states across America.  All of our newly-endorsed candidates have strong records of community involvement and service, and they’re showing both their colleagues and young people that LGBT Americans have much to offer as leaders in politics and government,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

The full list of February endorsements:

Benjamin Allatt–Harrisburg, Pa., City Council

Adam Carranza–Mountain View, Calif., School Board

José Cisneros–Treasurer, San Francisco

Daniel Dromm–New York City Council

John Duran–West Hollywood, Calif., City Council

Tim Eustace–New Jersey State Assembly, District 38

Jim Ireton–Mayor, Salisbury, Md.

Dave Kaplan–Des Moines, Wash., City Council

Michael Laster–Houston City Council

Dan Manning–Fon du Lac, Wis., City Council

Rosie Mendez–New York City Council

Teege Mettille–Appleton, Wis., City Council

Thomas Peters–School Board, University City, Mo.

Jeffrey Prang–West Hollywood, Calif., City Council

Karin Uhlich–Tucson, Ariz., City Council

James Van Bramer–New York City Council

Mel Wymore–New York City Council