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Brian Sims

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Brian Sims
Sims in 2021
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 182nd district
In office
January 1, 2013 – November 30, 2022
Preceded byBabette Josephs
Succeeded byBen Waxman
Personal details
BornBrian Kendall Sims
(1978-09-16) September 16, 1978 (age 48)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
PartyDemocratic
SpouseAlex Drakos (m. 2024)
EducationBloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (BS)
Michigan State University (JD)

Brian Kendall Sims (born September 16, 1978)[1] is an American politician, activist and attorney. A Democrat, he was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 182nd district from 2013 until 2022. Sims is also a lawyer and advocate for LGBT civil rights.[2] Sims became the first openly gay elected state legislator in Pennsylvania history.[3] He won re-election on November 6, 2018.[4] He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.

Since leaving public office in 2022, Sims served as the managing director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Out Leadership, on the Board of Trustees of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, and as CEO of Agenda PAC.

Early life and education

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Sims was born in Washington, D.C., the son of two Army lieutenant colonels of Irish descent.[5][6] Sims was raised in the Catholic Church but stopped attending church at the age of 16.[5] Sims lived in seventeen states before settling in Pennsylvania in the early-1990s.[7] He graduated from Downingtown High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, in 1997.[8] He later completed his undergraduate studies at Bloomsburg University, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, in 2001. In 2000, Sims was the co-captain of the Bloomsburg University football team, and was recognized as a scholar athlete.[9] During the 2000 season, the longest season in the Division II school's history, Sims came out as gay to his teammates;[10] he publicly told his story in 2009.[11]

In 2004, Sims earned a Juris Doctor in international and comparative law at the Michigan State University College of Law.[1] In 2013, Sims completed Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a David Bohnett LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow.[12]

Career

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Sims worked as the president of Equality Pennsylvania and the chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP), until he stepped down from both positions in 2011. In 2009, Sims joined the faculty of the Center for Progressive Leadership and the National Campaign Board of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. He was selected as one of the Top 40 LGBT Attorneys Under 40 in the United States by the National LGBT Bar Association in 2010.[13]

Before assuming public office, Sims served as staff counsel for policy and planning at the Philadelphia Bar Association.[14] During his time at the Bar Association, Sims worked with attorneys, legislators and community organizations on issues ranging from gender and pay inequity to environmental regulation.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

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First openly gay member

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In 2011, Sims announced his intention to run for representative of the 182nd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.[7][15] Sims defeated Babette Josephs, a 28-year incumbent, in the 2012 Democratic primary.[16] He did not face a Republican challenger in the November general election and was elected.

Sims was the first openly gay person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[17] Although he was not sworn in until January 1, 2013, because Pennsylvania state representatives' term of service and legislative duties officially begin on the first day of December following their election,[18] Sims shares the designation of being its first openly gay member with Rep. Mike Fleck (R–Huntingdon), who came out in a newspaper article published later that day.[19]

In June 2013, after the Defense of Marriage Act had been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Sims tried to make a speech in the Pennsylvania House supporting the decision, but was blocked by Daryl Metcalfe, among others, who called Sims' comments "open rebellion against God's law."[20]

Sims made national news on October 3, 2013, when he and fellow Democratic Rep. Steve McCarter introduced legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania.[21] Sims has also introduced a bill with fellow Democratic State Representative Erin Molchany to help reduce and eliminate the gender gap in rate of pay as well as legislation to ban the practice of conversion therapy with Rep. Gerald Mullery.[22][23]

Sims has also made efforts to work with federal legislators on issues of LGBT civil rights.[24] On March 28, 2013, Sims penned an open letter to U.S. Senator and fellow Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey Jr. urging him to come out publicly in support of same-sex marriage.[25] This, combined with many other calls, ultimately resulted in the senator voicing his support for the measure.[26] Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) also chose to vote for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the U.S. Senate after Sims and a number of other activists wrote to him on the matter.[27][28]

In 2016, City & State Pennsylvania reported that Sims had failed to disclose thousands of dollars in travel reimbursements and more than $42,000 in speaking fees since his election in 2012. Sims was reported to have failed to disclose reimbursements including airfare to speak at Microsoft's corporate headquarters, a trip to Israel partially-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, as well as using campaign funds to participate in a charity climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro for the Military Assistance Project among other omissions.[29] In March 2020, the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission cleared Sims of two violations but fined him $750 on three technical violations of the state's ethics law for failure to properly disclose all of his outside earnings.[30]

After The New York Times tweeted a cartoon portraying U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a gay couple, Sims characterized the joke as homophobic.[31]

Committee and legislative work

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On November 11, 2013, Sims teamed with Republican State Representative Bryan Cutler to introduce a bill to replace Pennsylvania's system of electing judges with a merit-based system, which did not receive debate in the PA House.[32]

Sims served on the House Commerce, Game and Fish, Human Services, State Government, and Tourism and Recreation Committees. Sims served as Democratic Chair of the Human Services Subcommittee on Mental Health.[33]

Sims has served as the prime sponsor of 68 bills or resolutions, of these, one bill has progressed to be debated on the house floor, and nine resolutions have been passed.[34][35][36][37]

2019 clinic videos

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In spring 2019, Sims, a longtime volunteer patient escort at a Planned Parenthood health center near his home, posted videos of himself confronting anti-abortion demonstrators outside it, including one in which he offered a $100 donation to Planned Parenthood for the identities of three teenage demonstrators.[38][39] The videos drew criticism, and Sims posted a response acknowledging he had been "aggressive" and saying, "I can do better, and I will do better."[40] A proposed Republican censure resolution was not brought to a vote, and in October 2019 he sent the teenagers' family a handwritten apology.[41][42]

2016 re-election

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In the 2016 Democratic primary, Sims was challenged by Lou Lanni, Marni Snyder and Ben Waxman, and won with 40.2 percent of the vote.[43] He did not face a Republican challenger in the November 2016 general election.

2022 lieutenant governor campaign

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On February 15, 2021, Sims announced via Twitter that he was running for lieutenant governor in the 2022 election.[44]

Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Attorney General and presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party endorsed State Representative Austin Davis. Seven Democratic legislative caucus leaders called on Sims to withdraw from the race. Shapiro's campaign sent Sims's campaign a cease-and-desist letter over an advertisement that it said implied a Shapiro endorsement.[45]

Davis won the May 17, 2022 primary with 63.0 percent of the vote. Sims finished second with 25.1 percent, receiving nearly 306,000 votes.[46]

2023-present: career in public policy and non-profits

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In December 2022, Sims became the managing director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Out Leadership in New York City.[47][48]

In August 2023, he joined the Board of Trustees of the Tyler Clementi Foundation.[49]

In September 2024, Sims was named as CEO of Agenda PAC, an American LGBTQ political action committee.[50]

Electoral history

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2012 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Sims 3,759 51.61%
Democratic Babette Josephs 3,524 48.39%
Total votes 7,283 100%
2012 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Sims Unopposed
Total votes 28,537 100%
Democratic hold
2014 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Sims (incumbent) Unopposed
Total votes 6,400 100%
2014 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Sims (incumbent) Unopposed
Total votes 15,808 100%
Democratic hold
2016 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Sims (incumbent) 6,065 40.20%
Democratic Benjamin Waxman 5,151 34.14%
Democratic Marni Jo Snyder 2,060 13.66%
Democratic Louis D. Lanni Jr. 1,810 12.0%
Total votes 15,086 100%
2016 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Sims (incumbent) Unopposed
Total votes 31,733 100%
Democratic hold
2018 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Sims (incumbent) Unopposed
Total votes 9,046 100%
2018 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Brian Sims (incumbent) 28,234 90.56% −9.44
Independent James McDevitt 2,943 9.44% N/A
Total votes 31,177 100% N/A
Democratic hold
2020 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Sims (incumbent) 10,285 57.97%
Democratic Marisa Shaaban 7,457 42.03%
Total votes 17,742 100%
2020 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Brian Sims (incumbent) 34,225 83.08% −7.48
Republican Andrew Murray 6,969 16.92% N/A
Total votes 41,194 100% N/A
Democratic hold
2022 Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor election, Democratic primary[51]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Austin Davis 768,141 63.00%
Democratic Brian Sims 305,959 25.09%
Democratic Ray Sosa 145,228 11.91%
Total votes 1,219,328 100.0%

Personal life

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Sims became engaged to Alex Drakos in October 2023.[52]

See also

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References

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  1. 1 2 "BRIAN K. SIMS". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Archived from the original on May 6, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  2. ↑ "The Center For Progressive Leadership. Retrieved 2011-12-5". Progressiveleaders.org. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  3. ↑ Wing, Nicholas (April 26, 2012). "Pennsylvania Set To Elect First Openly Gay State Lawmaker". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  4. ↑ Mosbergen, Dominique (November 7, 2018). "LGBTQ Candidates Record Historic Midterm Wins In Rainbow Wave". HuffPost. Archived from the original on July 2, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  5. 1 2 "Gay and nonreligious in a Republican state, Rep. Brian Sims puts his faith in humanity - Religion News Service". September 10, 2014. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Family Portrait Brian Sims". The Philadelphia Gay News. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  7. 1 2 "Sims to challenge Babette Josephs in 182nd Dist". The Philadelphia Gay News. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Representative Brian Sims - PA House of Representatives". PA House of Representatives. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  9. ↑ Zeigler, Cyd (August 24, 2011). "Brian Sims tells his story nine years later". Outsports.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Former college football captain was openly gay". Outsports.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  11. ↑ Zeigler, Cyd (August 24, 2011). "Moment #43: Brian Sims tells his story nine years later". outsports.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013.
  12. ↑ "Bohnett Leaders Fellowship Alumni". LGBTQ Victory Institute. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Sims For Pennsylvania: About Brian Sims". Sims4pa.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Rep. Brian K. Sims' Home Page". Pahouse.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Brian Sims announces candidacy for Pennsylvania's 182nd House District". Sims4pa.com. September 8, 2011. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Brian Sims breaks the mold, unseats a long-time incumbent — NewsWorks". Newsworks.org. April 24, 2012. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Gay Politics — Pennsylvania to get first openly gay state legislator". Gaypolitics.com. April 24, 2012. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
  18. ↑ Pennsylvania Constitution, Article II, Section 2 http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html Archived August 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
  19. ↑ "Republican State Rep. Mike Fleck: I'm Gay". Politicspa.com. 2012. Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
  20. ↑ Reilly, Mollie (June 27, 2013). "Brian Sims, Pennsylvania Lawmaker, Silenced On DOMA By Colleagues Citing 'God's Law'". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  21. ↑ Artavia, David (June 27, 2013). "Rep. Brian Sims to Introduce Marriage Bill in Pennsylvania". Advocate.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Bill Information - House Bill 1811; Regular Session 2013-2014 - PA General Assembly". Legis.state.pa.us. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  23. ↑ "House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda - PA House of Representatives". Legis.state.pa.us. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  24. ↑ Jonathan Tamari (November 5, 2013). "Gay PA Rep. praises Toomey, Casey". Philly.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  25. ↑ Sims, Brian (March 28, 2013). "The Time Is Now: An Open Letter to a U.S. Senator". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  26. ↑ Colby Itkowitz, Call Washington Bureau (April 1, 2013). "Bob Casey support for gay marriage - Morning Call". Articles.mcall.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  27. ↑ Siddiqui, Sabrina (November 1, 2013). "Openly Gay Lawmaker Calls On Pat Toomey To Back ENDA". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Toomey Votes For ENDA". PoliticsPA. November 7, 2013. Archived from the original on November 26, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  29. ↑ Briggs, Ryan (October 3, 2016). "State Rep. Sims' travel, speaking fees raise questions – updated". City & State Pennsylvania. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  30. ↑ Marin, Max (March 4, 2020). "After 3-year ethics investigation, Rep. Brian Sims vindicated — despite violations". Billy Penn. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  31. ↑ "New York Times offends with 'homophobic' cartoon depicting Trump, Putin as lovers". Fox News. July 17, 2018. Archived from the original on July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  32. ↑ "On its merits: A new bill offers sense on judicial elections - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. November 18, 2013. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved December 17, 2013.
  33. ↑ Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Representative Brian Sims". Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
  34. ↑ Center, Legislative Data Processing. "Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2013".
  35. ↑ Center, Legislative Data Processing. "Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2015".
  36. ↑ Center, Legislative Data Processing. "Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2017".
  37. ↑ Center, Legislative Data Processing. "Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2019".
  38. ↑ "Lawmaker vows to do better after abortion clinic video". The Washington Times. Associated Press. May 7, 2019.
  39. ↑ Gstalter, Morgan (May 7, 2019). "Pennsylvania lawmaker offers $100 to anyone identifying anti-abortion protesters". The Hill.
  40. ↑ Gstalter, Morgan (May 8, 2019). "Pennsylvania state lawmaker responds to backlash: 'I will do better'". The Hill.
  41. ↑ "Anti-abortion protester says lawmaker deserves censure". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. June 18, 2019.
  42. ↑ "State Rep. Brian Sims apologizes, five months later". Catholic News Agency. October 29, 2019.
  43. ↑ "Pennsylvania - Summary Vote Results". Associated Press. April 26, 2016.
  44. ↑ Towle, Andy (February 15, 2021). "Out Lawmaker Brian Sims Announces Run for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania". Towleroad.
  45. ↑ Brennan, Chris (April 18, 2022). "Josh Shapiro to Brian Sims: 'Cease and desist' running ad that touts endorsement". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  46. ↑ "2022 Primary Election Official Results". Pennsylvania Department of State. May 17, 2022.
  47. ↑ "Board of Trustees & Advisory Council". Tyler Clementi Foundation. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  48. ↑ "Our Team". Out Leadership. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  49. ↑ "Board of Trustees & Advisory Council". Tyler Clementi Foundation. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  50. ↑ Wiggins, Christopher (September 17, 2024). "Brian Sims named CEO of the LGBTQ+ PAC that took on Moms for Liberty in 2023 (exclusive)". The Advocate. Pride Media. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  51. ↑ "2022 Primary Election Official Results". Pennsylvania Department of State. May 17, 2022.
  52. ↑ Cooper, Alex (October 28, 2023). "Brian Sims, Former Pennsylvania Lawmaker, Is Engaged to Boyfriend". The Advocate. Pride Media. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
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