Equality California Endorses Betsy Butler

Nonprofit civil rights organization Equality California is endorsing in her run for the state's , Butler's campaign announced Wednesday morning.

Butler, D-Marina del Rey, is now entering her sixth year on the board of Equality California. She has been a key advocate for equality and civil rights for over 20 years and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for multiple causes, events and LGBT candidates, reports the nonprofit in a statement.

“Equality California is proud to give our endorsement to Assemblymember Butler,” Suzy Jones, chair of the Equality California Candidate Political Action Committee, said in a statement. “Her 100 percent pro-LGBT voting record clearly demonstrates that she has been, and continues to be, a key ally and partner in our efforts to secure full and lasting equality for LGBT people in California."

Butler has also been endorsed by Assembly Speaker John Pérez, California Democratic Party Vice Chairman Alex Rooker and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. Organizations backing Butler include the Legislative LGBT Caucus and the Legislative Women’s Caucus.

“I am proud to have the support of Equality California,” said Butler. “For over 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with leaders of the LGBT community throughout the country and in California on issues of fairness and equality. I look forward to continuing to work in the Legislature to ensure equal rights in California."

Butler's primary opponent appears to be , who is running for office for the first time. The liberal activist  from Sheila Kuehl (who was the 41st District representative from 1994 to 2000); Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Congresswoman Karen Bass; Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl; the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund; and the .

Don't miss Patch's recent interviews with Assemblywoman , and .