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May 17, 2018Samuel Garrett-Pate, Equality California

LOS ANGELES — Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, announced endorsements ahead of the June 5 California primary election in two of the state’s competitive Congressional districts: Jessica Morse, who is challenging incumbent Congressman Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove) in CA-04 and Andrew Janz, who is challenging incumbent Congressman Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) in CA-22. McClintock and Nunes were two of just nine members of California’s Congressional delegation to earn a zero percent on Equality California’s 2017 legislative scorecard.

“Jessica and Andrew are strong, pro-equality champions taking on two of California’s most anti-LGBTQ members of Congress — and both have what it takes to beat them,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur.

Jessica Morse is a fifth generation Northern Californian who attended local public schools and has hiked the entire length of the 4th District. She spent a decade working as a national security strategist, including a year working in Iraq. From wildfires and droughts to affordable, quality healthcare and championing LGBTQ equality – Morse will be a leader who brings public service back to politics and always puts Northern California first.

“Jessica Morse is the champion for LGBTQ equality that California’s 4th District needs,” said Zbur. “Unlike Congressman McClintock, Jessica will fight for all members of her community and never let politics get in the way of serving and protecting California families and small businesses.”

“Love is love. A person’s equality under the law should never be altered based on sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Jessica Morse. “I am committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans and will champion legislation that advances full equality for our LGBTQ community.”

Andrew Janz is a Deputy District Attorney with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. A son of immigrants, Janz went from serving burgers for minimum wage to serving justice as a career prosecutor. As a prosecutor, Janz understands the discrimination and violence that the LGBTQ community continues to face and has committed to supporting full equality and social justice if elected.

“In stark contrast to Devin Nunes, Andrew Janz has shown a true commitment to the rule of law and supporting policies that promote equality for his district and our country,” continued Zbur. “I’m proud to announce that Andrew Janz has received Equality California’s full endorsement and recommendation to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

“Now more than ever, we must send fighters to Congress who are ready to stand up against the hateful and intolerant rhetoric of the current administration and advocate for fair treatment under the law for all citizens,” said Andrew Janz. “As a prosecutor, I have been a champion for the LGBTQ community, and I’m ready to keep fighting in Washington to move our country forward not backwards.”

Visit eqca.org/our-endorsements for a full list of Equality California’s 2018 endorsements.

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