Evan Low takes helm of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund in historic first

After two decades of public service and advocacy, Evan Low has made history again. The openly gay former California state lawmaker has taken over as president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and Victory Institute, becoming the first Asian American to lead the national organization that supports queer candidates across the U.S.

Low’s relationship with the Victory Fund began when he was just 20 years old and received his first endorsement as a city council candidate.

“Victory was there to catch me when I fell—and to push me back in when I was ready to rise again,” Low told OutSmart Magazine.

Now 41, Low steps into his new role just months after losing a competitive bid for Congress. His leadership arrives at a precarious time: a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills continues sweeping state legislatures, with attacks targeting trans youth, drag performers, and gender-affirming care. Low sees this as a crucial moment for the Victory Fund to double down on its mission.

Low, who grew up in San Jose and served as both a city council member and state assemblymember, embodies the intersectionality of AAPI and LGBTQ+ leadership. His career reflects the broader goals of the Victory Fund—to recruit, train, and elect LGBTQ+ leaders in every corner of the country, from rural townships to urban centers.

The organization’s board praised Low’s appointment. “With his extensive background in politics, we are confident that Low will achieve both missions—helping to elect more LGBTQ+ leaders and ensuring they have the tools to serve successfully,” said Joseph Falk, chair of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Board of Directors, as noted in Bay Area Reporter.

In 2009, Low became the youngest openly gay Asian American mayor in the country when he was elected to lead Campbell, California. Today, he follows in the footsteps of former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who led the Victory Fund from 2017 until earlier this year.

Low has emphasized the importance of supporting underrepresented candidates beyond high-profile races. “Think about that small township of 200 people where we may have an LGBTQ+ candidate running, but without access to the same resources,” he told OutSmart Magazine, “We are here for them.”

Looking ahead, Low hopes to strengthen the Victory Fund’s network, empower new voices, and ensure that LGBTQ+ officials continue to shape policies that protect all marginalized communities.

“Let’s build an inclusive democracy that reflects the full diversity of America,” he said, per OutSmart Magazine. “We’re not liabilities—we are assets.”