November 8, 2023
Fabian Nelson Claims Victory In Mississippi State House As First Openly Gay Legislator
On Nov. 7, Fabian Nelson took his place in the Mississippi House District 66 as the state's first openly gay lawmaker.
In August, Fabian Nelson made history when he was elected as the first openly gay Democratic lawmaker in Mississippi. Now, he’s officially claiming victory in the State House.
On Nov. 7, the realtor from Byram, Mississippi, took his place in the House of Representatives District 66 after winning the general election, the Advocate reported. Nelson looks forward to offering a fresh voice in the state legislature.
After winning the Democratic primary election runoff on Aug. 29, a surprised Nelson told NBC News: “I still think I’m in a dream. I’m still trying to process it and take it in. It’s still shocking to me, I have to be honest.”
The small business leader will now represent a district that includes part of Byram, Salem, and Terry. While in office, he plans to increase healthcare access for low-income people by pushing for Medicaid expansion, advocating for economic development, and improving the workforce by fully funding education, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported.
“I am fortunate to have worked in the community for the past 11 years,” Nelson wrote in his 2020 endorsement. “In order to effect lasting change, first-time homebuyer education, access to affordable housing advocacy, and parity in housing ownership for low-income populations will remain a viable part of my service if elected.”
A native of Yazoo, Mississippi, Nelson has been a proud foster parent and owner and managing broker of Mississippi United Realty for the last 15 years, according to his campaign website. He has dedicated his work to teaching homebuying, financial literacy seminars, and mentoring small businesses in South Jackson and Byram.
The Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign were among Nelson’s endorsers. They provided campaign, fundraising, and communications support.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund President & CEO Annise Parker released in a statement: “At a time when bigotry in politics is on the rise, voters in Mississippi House District 66 have chosen a different path. Fabian’s victory is a testament to his dedication to his community and his tireless work earning the support of voters on the campaign trail.”
“Today, we celebrate with all the Mississippians who long for a better future that’s free of discrimination and hate. We look forward to seeing Fabian take his place in the Mississippi House of Representatives and get to work making the Magnolia State a more welcoming place for all.”
Before Nelson’s feat, Mississippi and Louisiana were the only states that had never elected an LGBTQ+ state lawmaker.
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