Alex Wan gets key endorsements from LGBT organizations in Atlanta City Council race

Alex Wan, seeking re-election for District 6 on the Atlanta City Council, has been endorsed by Georgia Equality and the national Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

“Through his work these past four years on City Council and through his many years of broad community activism and engagement in the greater Atlanta community, Alex has demonstrated that he is the best candidate to represent the full diversity of District 6 at City Hall,” said Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, in a prepared statement.

“We are proud to endorse him in his bid for re-election. We have made great strides under his leadership and look forward to his continuing leadership,” Graham added.

When elected he became the first openly gay man in 2009, as well as the first Asian-American, to serve on the council.

He’s drawn two challengers, who filed right before the Aug. 30 qualifying deadline — Tracey Austin, a mother who is active in the Morningside elementary school programs; and Mike Boyle, neighborhood activist and a stay-at-home dad who is currently seeking with the help of investors to find a small business to purchase and operate on his own.

“We were proud to endorse Alex in 2009 and are thrilled to endorse him again today,” says Victory Fund President & CEO Chuck Wolfe in a statement.

“Alex has been a staunch and vocal supporter of the District’s diverse neighborhoods, and undertaken his role on the City Council with an admirable collaborative leadership style. His service and leadership during a time of great political change for LGBT people has been significant and it’s critical for that to continue in Atlanta,” Wolf said.

Wan said he appreciates the support of both organizations.

“I am honored by the support of both Georgia Equality and the Victory Fund,” saids Wan in a statement.

“Victory Fund’s candidate training has played important part of my public service journey and helped lead to my decision to run for office. I want to further my work ensuring that the diverse communities of District 6 collaborate, by continuing to leverage my deep roots in the community, long-time civic leadership, solid business experience and relationships built at City Hall and beyond.”

“Likewise, I am especially appreciative that Georgia Equality recognizes me not just as a gay candidate, but for my ongoing commitment to the community,” Wan says. “I do believe I have earned the vote of LGBT residents in District 6, and will continue to be a strong, vocal, and positive advocate for the community’s issues.”