Leading LGBTQ rights group backs Collins’ opponent for the first time in decades

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) on Wednesday approved Maine Speaker of the House of Representatives Sara Gideon (D), who challenges the senator. Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsSara Gideon wins the Democratic race to challenge Susan Collins The Hill Campaign Report: Key races take shape in Alabama, Texas, Maine The Republican leader of the Illinois House will not attend the Republican convention in Florida: ” It will not be a safe environment “MORE (R-Maine), marking the first time that the LGBTQ rights group has endorsed a Collins opponent since 1996, when she was first elected.

The group has repeatedly endorsed the current Maine senator previously, citing her more moderate track record on LGBTQ issues, such as her support for the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Say” policy, and in 2014 said it had played a “Key role in advancing support for LGBT equality”.

However, in their new endorsement of Gideon, who took the Democratic nomination on Tuesday night, the group apologized for Collins’ failure to resist President TrumpDonald John TrumpIvanka Trump launches Goya Foods products on Twitter Sessions defends the challenge: “I leave the elected office with my integrity intact” Former White House doctor Ronny Jackson wins the second round of Texas MORE in the Senate and his vote to confirm the Supreme Court of Justice Brett KavanaughBrett Michael KavanaughSara Gideon wins Democrat race to challenge Susan Collins Campaign report from The Hill: Key races take shape in Alabama, Texas, Maine 5 key races to see Tuesday MORE. Her vote to confirm Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual assault during her confirmation process, made her a top Democratic target for 2020.

“We are fighting for our lives and the only way to advance LGBTQ equality through the United States Senate is to install a new majority equality leader and replace Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSara Gideon wins Democrat race to challenge Susan Collins Schumer pressures for elimination of SALT deduction limit in upcoming coronavirus relief bill Dunford withdraws from consideration to chair oversight panel of coronavirus MORE“HRC President Alphonso David said in a statement.

“Despite Susan Collins’ track record of supporting certain key LGBTQ issues, her support of the Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump agenda, the endorsement of Brett M. Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court and the inability to hold Donald Trump accountable, it’s just unsustainable, “added David.

“@ SaraGideon will support pro-equality leadership in the Senate that will help us move our country forward by passing the #EqualityAct and abiding by the principles of our democracy,” David said in a tweet, referring to a project of law that would prohibit discrimination. based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

. @ SaraGideon will support leadership for equality in the Senate that will help us move our country forward by passing the #EqualityAct and living up to the principles of our democracy. Read more about @ HRC’s latest round of Senate endorsements: https://t.co/lRSOaLAPuY

– Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) July 15, 2020

The endorsement came after two other major liberal organizations, Planned Parenthood and League of Conservation Voters, backed Gideon before Tuesday’s primaries.

Collins faces a tough rival at Gideon, with the Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan bulletin that analyzes campaigns and elections, calling the race a “shakeup.”