Jim Obergefell, the gay civil rights icon whose fight for marriage rights reshaped American law and society, has endorsed Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig’s bid for the U.S. Senate, tying one of the most significant LGBTQ+ court victories in history to a political battle over the future of those rights.
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Obergefell, lead plaintiff in landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodgesannounced his endorsement on Monday, praising the Minnesota congresswoman as a candidate who understands the personal and political interests of LGBTQ+ equality.
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“Angie never backed down from a fight,” Obergefell said in a statement. advocate. “While LGBTQ rights are at risk, we can count on Angie to stand up to these threats and do the right thing.”
Craig, who represents Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, said Obergefell’s advocacy made it possible for her own family to comply with federal law.
“Jim fought for the right to marry her husband, protecting the freedoms of LGBTQ individuals and guaranteeing marriage equality for all in our country,” said Craig, who is a lesbian. “His leadership and perseverance in the face of tragedy are the reason my own marriage is protected and recognized by the federal government.”
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The endorsement comes as Craig is trying to translate the House profile she’s built in one of the nation’s most competitive suburbs into a statewide campaign. She was first elected in 2018 after flipping the Republican-held seat, becoming the first LGBTQ+ person elected to represent Minnesota in Congress.
Craig faces a Democratic primary scheduled for Aug. 11, when Minnesota voters will decide who advances to the November general election. Her opponents include Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and entrepreneur Billy Nord. Democratic Sen. Tina Smith has announced she will not seek re-election, sparking a high-profile race within the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party.
during an interview advocate When Craig launched her Senate campaign last year, she said the campaign was part of a broader national fight for democracy and civil rights.
“We are fighting for our lives,” she said. “But I’m in good shape and I’m ready to fight.”
Craig, who is married to Cheryl Green and raised four sons, has often spoken about how her family’s story shapes her politics and how she is represented in Washington.
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this Obergefell case The ruling legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, but the legal and cultural solution it represented is increasingly under pressure. Conservative legal movements have challenged LGBTQ+ protections in areas ranging from public accommodations to gender-affirming care.
Craig’s campaign has attracted the support of several prominent Democratic leaders. According to her campaign, supporters include U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin, Andy Kim, Ruben Gallego, Jackie Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto, as well as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
Craig’s campaign also said she has the support of national organizations including Equality PAC, the Human Rights Campaign and Women for Electoral Democracy, as well as 14 unions representing more than 180,000 Minnesotans.
“I know Angie will continue to be a trailblazer in the Senate as she aims to become Minnesota’s first openly LGBTQ senator,” Obergefell said.
This article originally appeared in The Advocate: Exclusive: Jim Obergefell endorses Angie Craig for U.S. Senate
