Out former California Assemblymember Evan Low has been appointed the new president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, which help elect and train LGBTQ+ politicians.

Low will replace former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who served in the role for seven years. “As LGBTQ+ voices face increasing and unjust attacks, he will build upon Mayor Parker’s trailblazing legacy, championing those who remain critically underrepresented while amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and advancing equality for all,” a press release declared.

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In a statement, Low said he is “thrilled” to be leading organizations that “shaped my journey in public service.”

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“As a twenty-year-old candidate, I experienced firsthand the power of our commitment to training and electing future leaders. Twenty years later, I am coming home to continue that mission—welcoming current and new supporters in our work to secure more seats at more tables and make our voices heard in more halls of power worldwide.”

Low served in the California State Assembly for more than 10 years and was the first Asian American elected to the Campbell City Council and the youngest outgoing mayor in the country. He has long been involved with the Victory Fund, having first been endorsed by the group in 2004. The Sacramento Bee recognized Low as California’s “most prolific lawmaker.”

“With his extensive background in politics, we are confident that Low will achieve both missions—helping to elect more LGBTQ+ leaders and ensuring they have the tools to serve successfully,” Joseph Falk, chair of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Board of Directors, said in a statement. “With Low’s leadership, expect more LGBTQ+ candidates, more candidate wins, and greater LGBTQ+ political impact.”

“We’ve long been inspired by Evan’s commitment, service, and focus on his constituents and the LGBTQ+ population,” added LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Board Chair Howard Pulchin-Ramos. “At this critical time in our history and movement, we are proud to welcome Evan as the next leader of Victory.”

Low also expressed his commitment to ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices “are not just included but impossible to ignore–and represented at the highest levels of office.”

In a video announcing his new role, Low spoke about how Victory Fund has been there for him since he first ran for office and lost. The organization, he said, helped him dust himself off and get right back to it, which led to his historic election as mayor.

In February 2024, Low spoke with LGBTQ Nation about why being out and proud helps him find success: “The great thing about being openly gay is living our authentic selves. What you see is what you get, and I think many are looking for authenticity. You can agree to disagree and acknowledge the disagreements. I disagree many times with my mother on a wide variety of different issues, but you can still break bread, and she’ll still make me wash dishes after dinner.”

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