Eight Victory Fund-endorsed candidates faced the voters yesterday, with seven winning their races.

Dan Manning became the first openly gay candidate elected to the Fond Du Lac City Council in Wisconsin.  Manning, an Army veteran, helped start Knights Out, a group for openly LGBT graduates of the United States Military Academy.  He currently serves on the board of directors for Equality Wisconsin.

Rhonda Lanford (pictured), an out lesbian, was elected to become a judge on the Dane County Circuit Court in Wisconsin.  The experienced lawyer and adjunct law professor beat an incumbent who was appointed by Gov. Scott Walker.

Incumbents coasting to victory Tuesday night included: Alderman Shane Cohn of St. Louis, Mo.; Mayor Jim Ireton of Salisbury, Md.; Alderman Larry Palm of Madison, Wis.; Alderman Teege Metille of Appleton, Wis.; and Tom Peters of the University City, Mo., School Board.

Scott Criqui, who ran for a seat on the Lawrence, Kansas, City Commission, fell short in his effort.

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced its endorsement of openly gay Massachusetts State Rep. Carl Sciortino in a likely special election to replace Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass.).  Markey has said he plans to resign his House seat if he becomes the Democratic nominee to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State John Kerry.

“I’m truly grateful for the support of the Victory Fund, which has been so effective in making sure all Americans have a voice in our  government.  They share my commitment to an honest, inclusive dialog about the issues that really matter to us all,” Sciortino said.

If elected, Sciortino would become the eighth openly LGBT member of the 213th Congress, setting a new record for the most out members ever to serve on Capitol Hill at one time.

“Carl is a proven leader and a tireless champion for LGBT equality,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.  ”He’s shown an uncommon commitment to justice and fairness for the people of Massachusetts. When he brings that tenacity to Washington he’ll be a standout voice for not only for his district, but for LGBT Americans everywhere.”

Sciortino has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2005, representing neighborhoods in Somerville and Medford.

His endorsement was one of ten made by the Victory Fund this week, bringing to 48 the total number of endorsed candidates so far this year.

March 2013 Victory Fund endorsees

Barbara Baier–Board of Education, Lincoln, NE

Dori Dean–City Clerk, Holyoke, MA

Abbe Fletman–Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia

Nick Kachiroubas–City Clerk, Crystal Lake, IL

Rhonda Lanford–Circuit Court, Dane County, WI

Chris Mallios–Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia

Mitch O’Farrell–City Council, Los Angeles

Larry Palm–Common Council, Madison, WI

Carl Sciortino–U.S. House of Representatives, MA-5

Mark Tendam–City Council, Evanston, IL

New York City could become the largest municipality in the world to elect an openly gay mayor if City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is successful in her bid for the job.  Quinn officially kicked off her campaign today, releasing a biographical video that touts her love of the city where she grew up.

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, said the group’s endorsement of Quinn was an easy call.  ”Chris is so clearly and deeply passionate about New York City and the people who call it home.  She works hard to make sure the city works for everyone, and that’s what people expect of their elected leaders,” said Wolfe.  ”As mayor of New York City, she will be a worldwide symbol of what openly LGBT people can achieve when we work hard, earn the respect of our communities and fight to win.”

Quinn would become the first woman and the first openly LGBT person to serve as mayor of New York City.

Mike Bonin will succeed his boss, Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, after winning enough votes yesterday to avoid a May runoff.  Both men are openly gay.  Rosendahl is stepping down to focus on his health as he battles cancer.

Another Victory Fund endorsee, Ron Galperin, has advanced to a runoff on May 21 for the office of City Controller.  Galperin would be the first openly LGBT elected official to win citywide in Los Angeles.

Other Victory-endorsed area candidates advancing yesterday include David Vela, who will compete in a runoff for a seat on the Los Angeles Community College District board.  Winning reelection outright were West Hollywood City Council members John Duran and Jeff Prang.

Victory Fund endorsee Chris Anderson made history Tuesday night when he became the first openly gay candidate to win election in Chattanooga, Tenn. Anderson beat a two-term incumbent to represent City Council District 7.

The lifelong Chattanooga resident has been active in Democratic politics and area community groups for years, once serving as the national executive vice president of the Young Democrats of America.

“We are thrilled for Chris and for the people of Chattanooga, who will benefit from his passion, drive and leadership skills.  This is also a huge victory for the LGBT community in southeast Tennessee, who finally have an authentic voice for equality in government,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

Anderson will be one of just two openly LGBT elected officials in the state of Tennessee.