WASHINGTON - Tonight the Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization - hailed state senate candidate Tim Kennedy's triumphant victory over anti-equality state senator William Stachowski in the SD 58 Democratic primary election. HRC endorsed Tim Kennedy, a pro-equality candidate, as part of the Campaign for New York Marriage, which aims to help re-elect senators who supported marriage equality, defeat incumbent opponents and elect fair-minded candidates to open seats.

"Tonight voters sent a clear message to lawmakers everywhere that taking a stand for equality is the right thing to do," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "With high reelection rates for incumbent state Senators, Tim Kennedy's win is a tremendous victory for treating every New Yorker with dignity and respect."

"I would like to thank the Human Rights Campaign for the assistance they have provided in my effort to change Albany," Kennedy said. "HRC staff and volunteers played a key role in ensuring a major victory."

HRC's Campaign for New York Marriage has been working in cooperation with Fight Back New York, Empire State Pride Agenda, Freedom to Marry and Marriage Equality New York to close the eight-vote gap blocking marriage equality in the New York state Senate. As part of the campaign, HRC endorsed Tim Kennedy and provided direct contributions, staff resources and volunteers to his campaign. Unfortunately two endorsees - Charlie Ramos and Lynn Nunes - were not successful in their primaries today.

HRC's New York PAC has raised over $150,000 so far this election cycle and mobilized its 70,000 members in the state. HRC's involvement in New York state elections dates back to 2007 when HRC endorsed pro-equality candidate Craig Johnson from Long Island won a seat in the state Senate that had been held by anti-equality senators for over 100 years.

Solmonese added, "With marriage equality hanging on the balance as we look toward November, this is a critical election season in New York. The Empire State will be a national leader in fight for equality."

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