Erick Russell Is First Black Gay Statewide Elected Official

Photo courtesy of Erick Russell

Russell has been elected Connecticut state treasurer.

Trudy Ring

Trudy Ring is The Advocate’s senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she’s interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud “old movie weirdo” and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and ’40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.

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Trudy Ring

November 09 2022 1:38 PM EST

May 31 2023 3:11 PM EST

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Erick Russell, a Black gay man, has been elected Connecticut treasurer, making him the first Black member of the LGBTQ+ community to win a statewide office anywhere in the U.S.

Russell, a Democrat, bested Republican Harry Arora as Dems swept Connecticut's statewide offices. The current treasurer, Shawn Wooden, also a Democrat, did not seek reelection.

Russell is a partner in the law firm of Pullman & Comley, working in the practice that deals with public and private finance. He is the past vice-chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party and a member of the Democratic National Committee. He also cochairs Connecticut Cares, a fundraiser for Lambda Legal. He is the past chair of the LGBTQ Section of the Connecticut Bar Association and a former director of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association. His priorities for serving as treasurer include improving the state's debt management and strengthening public pension funds.

Annise Parker, president and CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement: "For far too long, people of color and the LGBTQ community have lacked equitable representation in government. Erick shattered this lavender ceiling and made history ... because voters trust him to usher in a new chapter for Connecticut and our nation, one founded in inclusion and compassion. His deep policy experience and grassroots support will make him an exceptional state executive. Not only is his win a sharp rebuke of the current wave of homophobia and racism plaguing our country, it's a moment of inspiration for our community that our political future is brighter than ever."