WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign-endorsed candidate Sherrod Brown will be the new U.S. senator from the state of Ohio replacing incumbent Sen. Mike DeWine, who supported the anti-gay Federal Marriage Amendment. Brown has been an outspoken supporter of gay rights - he's served more than 10 years in the U.S. House and has a perfect score on HRC's Congressional Scorecard.

"HRC's presence throughout the state of Ohio during this election was nothing short of extraordinary. It demonstrated the best that we can achieve when we work together and stand up for what is right. I was proud of HRC's financial and grassroots support for my campaign, it made a difference in the larger fight for social and economic justice for every American," said Senator-Elect Brown.

HRC raised $160,000 for Brown and dispatched 10 HRC staff to Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus, mobilizing HRC members for the final weeks. In addition, HRC had a full-time staffer in state for a month prior to the election to organize and mobilize the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community with phone banks and canvass efforts, working with Equality Ohio.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.