Iraq war veteran Anthony Woods has received the endorsements of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign in his race to represent California’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, the groups announced today.  The special election to fill the vacant seat comes after its former occupant, Ellen Tauscher, accepted a presidential appointment as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

Woods, who is openly gay, was awarded the Bronze Star for his two tours in Iraq before being discharged from the Army because of his sexual orientation.  He graduated from West Point and earned his masters degree at Harvard University.

“Anthony Woods is an exciting candidate with a tremendous record of accomplishment.  He’s also running an impressive campaign.  Anthony has assembled a solid campaign team that understands what it will take to win this extremely competitive race.  We need more leaders like Anthony Woods in the U.S. Congress, so we are proud to endorse him,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.  “His will be an authentic voice not only for the people of California’s 10th Congressional District, but for the millions of Americans who are denied equal treatment because of their sexual orientation.”

To learn more about Anthony Woods and his campaign for Congress, go here.