Brian Sims
{{short description|American politician}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2014}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Brian Sims
| image = File:State Rep Brian Sims.jpg
| caption = Sims in 2021
| state_house = Pennsylvania
| district = 182nd
| term_start = January 1, 2013
| term_end = November 30, 2022
| predecessor = Babette Josephs
| successor = Ben Waxman
| birth_name = Brian Kendall Sims
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|9|16}}
| birth_place = Washington, D.C., U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| resting_place =
| spouse = Alex Drakos (m. 2024)
| partner =
| party = Democratic
| education = Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (BS)
Michigan State University (JD)
}}
Brian Kendall Sims (born September 16, 1978){{cite web|url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BiosHistory/MemBio.cfm?ID=2459&body=H|title=BRIAN K. SIMS|website=The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.|access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506140503/https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BiosHistory/MemBio.cfm?ID=2459&body=H|archive-date=May 6, 2019|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.progressiveleaders.org/states/pennsylvania/faculty/sims_bio.html |title=The Center For Progressive Leadership. Retrieved 2011-12-5 |publisher=Progressiveleaders.org |access-date=December 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426022320/http://www.progressiveleaders.org/states/pennsylvania/faculty/sims_bio.html |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Sims became the first openly gay elected state legislator in Pennsylvania history.{{cite news | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/brian-sims-pennsylvania-lawmaker-gay_n_1455485.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Nicholas | last=Wing | title=Pennsylvania Set To Elect First Openly Gay State Lawmaker | date=April 26, 2012 | access-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171905/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/brian-sims-pennsylvania-lawmaker-gay_n_1455485.html | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | url-status=live }} He won re-election on November 6, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lgbtq-midterm-elections_n_5be29707e4b0dbe871a49ea0|title=LGBTQ Candidates Record Historic Midterm Wins In Rainbow Wave|first=Dominique|last=Mosbergen|date=November 7, 2018|website=HuffPost|access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702231431/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lgbtq-midterm-elections_n_5be29707e4b0dbe871a49ea0|archive-date=July 2, 2019|url-status=live}} He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania in 2022, finishing in second place behind Austin Davis with 25% of the vote. 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
Sims was born in Washington, D.C., the son of two Army lieutenant colonels of Irish descent.{{cite web|url=https://religionnews.com/2014/09/10/gay-nonreligious-republican-state-interview-pa-rep-brian-sims/|title=Gay and nonreligious in a Republican state, Rep. Brian Sims puts his faith in humanity - Religion News Service|date=September 10, 2014|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019121856/https://religionnews.com/2014/09/10/gay-nonreligious-republican-state-interview-pa-rep-brian-sims/|archive-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims%20&id=3177389-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims |title=Family Portrait Brian Sims |work=The Philadelphia Gay News |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006151111/http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims%20&id=3177389-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }} Sims was raised in the Catholic Church but stopped attending church at the age of 16. Sims lived in seventeen states before settling in Pennsylvania in the early-1990s.{{cite news|url=http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Sims+to+challenge+Babette+Josephs+in+182nd+Dist-%20&id=15424897 |title=Sims to challenge Babette Josephs in 182nd Dist |work=The Philadelphia Gay News |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006064952/http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Sims+to+challenge+Babette+Josephs+in+182nd+Dist-%20&id=15424897 |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }} He graduated from Downingtown High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, in 1997.{{cite web |title=Representative Brian Sims - PA House of Representatives |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?id=1650 |website=PA House of Representatives |access-date=20 January 2021}} 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.{{cite web |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |url=http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/08/24/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later/ |title=Brian Sims tells his story nine years later |publisher=Outsports.com |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012154331/http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/08/24/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later/ |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |df=mdy-all }} During the 2000 season, the longest season in the Division II school's history, Sims came out as gay to his teammates;{{cite web |url=http://www.outsports.com/out-gay-athletes/2013/2/21/4015526/brian-sims-football-gay |title=Former college football captain was openly gay |publisher=Outsports.com |access-date=December 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906161635/http://www.outsports.com/out-gay-athletes/2013/2/21/4015526/brian-sims-football-gay |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live }} he publicly told his story in 2009.{{cite news|last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |author-link=Cyd Zeigler|title=Moment #43: Brian Sims tells his story nine years later |date=August 24, 2011 |work=outsports.com |url=http://www.outsports.com/2011/8/24/4051720/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217221833/http://www.outsports.com/2011/8/24/4051720/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |url-status=live }}
In 2004, Sims earned a Juris Doctor in international and comparative law at the Michigan State University College of Law. 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.{{Cite web|title=Bohnett Leaders Fellowship Alumni|url=https://victoryinstitute.org/programs/bohnett-leaders-fellowship/bohnett-leaders-fellowship-alumni/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=LGBTQ Victory Institute|language=en-US}}
Career
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.{{cite web |url=http://www.sims4pa.com/Bio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101193606/http://www.sims4pa.com/Bio |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 1, 2011 |title=Sims For Pennsylvania: About Brian Sims |publisher=Sims4pa.com |access-date=December 27, 2011 }}
Before assuming public office, Sims served as staff counsel for policy and planning at the Philadelphia Bar Association.{{cite web|title=Rep. Brian K. Sims' Home Page|url=http://www.pahouse.com/Sims/?pg=bio|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127005709/http://www.pahouse.com/Sims/?pg=bio|archive-date=November 27, 2014|access-date=June 29, 2014|publisher=Pahouse.com}} 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=
==First openly gay member==
In 2011, Sims announced his intention to run for representative of the 182nd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.{{cite web |url=http://www.sims4pa.com/content/brian-sims-announces-candidacy-pennsylvania%E2%80%99s-182nd-house-district |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426073706/http://www.sims4pa.com/content/brian-sims-announces-candidacy-pennsylvania%E2%80%99s-182nd-house-district |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-04-26 |title=Brian Sims announces candidacy for Pennsylvania's 182nd House District |publisher=Sims4pa.com |date=2011-09-08 |access-date=2011-12-27 }} Sims defeated Babette Josephs, a 28-year incumbent, in the 2012 Democratic primary.{{cite web |url=http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/37489 |title=Brian Sims breaks the mold, unseats a long-time incumbent — NewsWorks |publisher=Newsworks.org |date=April 24, 2012 |access-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629231313/http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/37489 |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.gaypolitics.com/2012/04/24/pennsylvania-to-get-first-openly-gay-state-legislator/ |title=Gay Politics — Pennsylvania to get first openly gay state legislator |publisher=Gaypolitics.com |date=April 24, 2012 |access-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629110058/http://www.gaypolitics.com/2012/04/24/pennsylvania-to-get-first-openly-gay-state-legislator/ |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} 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,Pennsylvania Constitution, Article II, Section 2 http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806192140/http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html |date=August 6, 2017 }} 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.{{cite web | title = Republican State Rep. Mike Fleck: I'm Gay | publisher = Politicspa.com | year = 2012 | url = http://www.politicspa.com/republican-state-rep-mike-fleck-im-gay-2/44597/ | access-date = December 1, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151024132630/http://www.politicspa.com/republican-state-rep-mike-fleck-im-gay-2/44597/ | archive-date = October 24, 2015 | url-status = live }}
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."{{cite news|last=Reilly|first=Mollie|title=Brian Sims, Pennsylvania Lawmaker, Silenced On DOMA By Colleagues Citing 'God's Law'|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/27/brian-sims-doma_n_3513741.html|publisher=Huffington Post|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=June 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629095404/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/27/brian-sims-doma_n_3513741.html|archive-date=June 29, 2013|url-status=live}}
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.{{cite web |last=Artavia |first=David |url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/06/27/rep-brian-sims-introduce-marriage-bill-pennsylvania |title=Rep. Brian Sims to Introduce Marriage Bill in Pennsylvania |publisher=Advocate.com |date=June 27, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127220633/http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/06/27/rep-brian-sims-introduce-marriage-bill-pennsylvania |archive-date=November 27, 2014 |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2013&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1811 |title=Bill Information - House Bill 1811; Regular Session 2013-2014 - PA General Assembly |publisher=Legis.state.pa.us |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906001028/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2013&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1811 |archive-date=September 6, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20130&cosponId=13711 |title=House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda - PA House of Representatives |publisher=Legis.state.pa.us |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905233226/http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20130&cosponId=13711 |archive-date=September 5, 2014 |url-status=live }}
Sims has also made efforts to work with federal legislators on issues of LGBT civil rights.{{cite web |author=Jonathan Tamari |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Sims-praises-Toomey-Casey.html |title=Gay PA Rep. praises Toomey, Casey |date=November 5, 2013 |publisher=Philly.com |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218180211/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Sims-praises-Toomey-Casey.html |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite news | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-sims/the-time-is-now-an-open-l_b_2967335.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Brian | last=Sims | title=The Time Is Now: An Open Letter to a U.S. Senator | date=March 28, 2013 | access-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307025344/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-sims/the-time-is-now-an-open-l_b_2967335.html | archive-date=March 7, 2016 | url-status=live }} This, combined with many other calls, ultimately resulted in the senator voicing his support for the measure.{{cite web |author=Colby Itkowitz, Call Washington Bureau |url=http://articles.mcall.com/2013-04-01/news/mc-pa-bob-casey-support-gay-marriage-20130401_1_gay-marriage-marriage-equality-marriage-act |title=Bob Casey support for gay marriage - Morning Call |publisher=Articles.mcall.com |date=April 1, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224811/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-04-01/news/mc-pa-bob-casey-support-gay-marriage-20130401_1_gay-marriage-marriage-equality-marriage-act |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |url-status=dead }} 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.{{cite news | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/pat-toomey-enda_n_4192491.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Sabrina | last=Siddiqui | title=Openly Gay Lawmaker Calls On Pat Toomey To Back ENDA | date=November 1, 2013 | access-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201033328/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/pat-toomey-enda_n_4192491.html | archive-date=February 1, 2016 | url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.politicspa.com/toomey-votes-for-enda/52752/ |title=Toomey Votes For ENDA |publisher=PoliticsPA |date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126195229/http://www.politicspa.com/toomey-votes-for-enda/52752/ |archive-date=November 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}
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.{{cite news |title=New York Times offends with 'homophobic' cartoon depicting Trump, Putin as lovers |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/new-york-times-offends-with-homophobic-cartoon-depicting-trump-putin-as-lovers |work=Fox News |date=July 17, 2018 |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717210813/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/07/16/new-york-times-offends-with-homophobic-cartoon-depicting-trump-putin-as-lovers.html |archive-date=July 17, 2018 |url-status=live }}
==Committee and legislative work==
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.{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2013/11/18/On-its-merits/stories/201311150059 | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=On its merits: A new bill offers sense on judicial elections - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=November 18, 2013 | access-date=December 17, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224457/http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2013/11/18/On-its-merits/stories/201311150059 | archive-date=December 17, 2013 | url-status=live }}
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.{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/House_bio.cfm?id=1650|title=Representative Brian Sims|first=Legislativate Data Processing|last=Center|access-date=December 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117023555/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/House_bio.cfm?id=1650|archive-date=January 17, 2013|url-status=live}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BS/bs_action.cfm?mbrBody=H&SessID=20130&Sponsors=H%7C182%7C0%7CBRIAN++SIMS|title=Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2013|first=Legislative Data Processing|last=Center}}{{cite web|url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BS/bs_action.cfm?mbrBody=H&SessID=20150&Sponsors=H%7C182%7C0%7CBRIAN++SIMS|title=Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2015|first=Legislative Data Processing|last=Center}}{{cite web|url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BS/bs_action.cfm?mbrBody=H&SessID=20170&Sponsors=H%7C182%7C0%7CBRIAN++SIMS|title=Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2017|first=Legislative Data Processing|last=Center}}{{cite web|url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BS/bs_action.cfm?mbrBody=H&SessID=20190&Sponsors=H%7C182%7C0%7CBRIAN++SIMS|title=Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2019|first=Legislative Data Processing|last=Center}}
==Doxxing protestors==
Sims received attention in 2019 for videos he posted to social media confronting people protesting outside of a Planned Parenthood facility in Philadelphia. In April of that year, Sims offered $100 to anyone who could dox three teenage girls who were praying in front of the facility. Facebook removed the video, in which he was "yelling pretty aggressively" at the three girls, aged 13 to 15, for violating their community standards around "coordinating harm." The mother of two of the girls filed a police report.
A few weeks later, in May, Sims posted another eight-minute video of himself confronting a woman who was quietly praying with a rosary outside the same facility. He suggested it was unchristian and racist to "shame" people engaging in a lawful activity. He encouraged his social media followers to dox her and protest outside her house. Sims also criticized her for being Catholic.
Sims' video caused a "national outrage." Following the incidents, more than one thousand anti-abortion protesters rallied outside the facility, some anti-abortion activists calling for Sims' resignation. He responded to calls for an apology or that he resign by calling critics bigoted, sexist, and misogynistic "Bible Bullies". Sims admitted to being "aggressive" in his confrontation.
=2016 congressional campaign=
In the 2016 elections, Sims was briefly a candidate for Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district, but opted to run for re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives instead. Sims was challenged by Lou Lanni, Marni Snyder, and Ben Waxman in the Democratic primary, defeating all three.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2016/by_state/PA_Page_0426.html?SITE=AP&SECTION=POLITICS|title=Pennsylvania - Summary Vote Results|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430020523/http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2016/by_state/PA_Page_0426.html?SITE=AP&SECTION=POLITICS|archive-date=April 30, 2016|url-status=live}} Sims did not face a Republican challenger in the November 2016 general election.
= 2022 lieutenant governor campaign =
{{See also|2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election}}
On February 15, 2021, Sims announced via Twitter that he was running for lieutenant governor in the 2022 election.{{Cite web|last=Towle|first=Andy|date=2021-02-15|title=Out Lawmaker Brian Sims Announces Run for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania: WATCH|url=https://www.towleroad.com/2021/02/brian-sims-lieutenant-governor/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215155435/https://www.towleroad.com/2021/02/brian-sims-lieutenant-governor/ |archive-date=February 15, 2021 |access-date=2021-02-15|website=Towleroad Gay News|language=en-US}}
Sims' campaign struggled to take off.{{cite web |last=Brennan |first=Chris |title=Josh Shapiro to Brian Sims: 'Cease and desist' running ad that touts endorsement |url=https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/josh-shapiro-brian-sims-lieutenant-governor-ad-cease-desist-20220418.html|website=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=April 18, 2022 }} Both Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Attorney General and presumptive Democratic nominee for Governor, and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party endorsed State Representative Austin Davis for Lieutenant Governor. Seven Democratic State Representative and State Senate caucus leaders came forward and called for Sims to drop out from the race saying he was putting "his own self-interests above that of the party." Shapiro's campaign issued a “cease and desist” letter to Sims' campaign after Sims' campaign ran ads falsely implying that Sims was endorsed by Shapiro.
Sims lost the primary election to Davis in a landslide. Sims finished in a distant second place, with 24.9% of the vote, compared to Davis' 63.1%.{{cite news |title= Lieutenant Governor: Pennsylvania Primary Results (D) |url=https://www.cnn.com/election/2022/results/pennsylvania/democratic-primaries/lieutenant-governor |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=CNN |date=19 May 2022}} Davis won every county in the state including Sims' home county of Philadelphia.
Following his loss, Sims was involved in a car crash with a state owned vehicle, injuring two people. Multiple attempts by the media to reach Sims for comment were unsuccessful.{{Cite web |date= December 1, 2022 |title=Former legislator involved in crash, victims want help paying damages |url=https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/legislator-involved-crash-victims-paying-damages/521-76b2e604-7326-4ad8-8cee-2f53f92ea47a |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=fox43.com |language=en-US}}
= 2023-present: career in public policy and non-profits =
In December 2022, Sims became the Managing Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Out Leadership in New York City.{{cite web |url= https://tylerclementi.org/our_board/#Brian-Sims|title= Board of Trustees & Advisory Council|author= |website= Tyler Clementi Foundation|access-date= August 24, 2023}}{{cite web |url= https://outleadership.com/our-story/team/|title= Our Team|author= |website= Out Leadership|access-date= August 24, 2023}}
In August 2023, he joined the Board of Trustees of the Tyler Clementi Foundation.{{Cite web |title=Board of Trustees & Advisory Council |url=https://tylerclementi.org/our_board/ |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=Tyler Clementi Foundation |language=en-US}}
In September 2024, Sims was named as CEO of Agenda PAC, an American LGBTQ political action committee.{{cite web |url= https://www.advocate.com/politics/agenda-pac-ceo-brian-sims|title= Brian Sims named CEO of the LGBTQ+ PAC that took on Moms for Liberty in 2023 (exclusive)|last= Wiggins|first= Christopher|date= September 17, 2024|website= The Advocate|publisher= Pride Media|access-date= October 3, 2024}}
Electoral history
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2012 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Brian Sims
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 3,759
| percentage = 51.61%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Babette Josephs
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 3,524
| percentage = 48.39%
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 7,283
| percentage = 100%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2012 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
}}
{{Election box candidate unopposed with party link
| candidate = Brian Sims
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 28,537
| percentage = 100%
| change = 0
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 28,537
| percentage= 100%
| change = N/A
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| loser = Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2014 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
}}
{{Election box candidate unopposed with party link
| candidate = Brian Sims (incumbent)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 6,400
| percentage = 100%
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 6,400
| percentage = 100%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2014 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
}}
{{Election box candidate unopposed with party link
| candidate = Brian Sims (incumbent)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 15,808
| percentage = 100%
| change = 0
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 15,808
| percentage= 100%
| change = N/A
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no change
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| loser = Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2016 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Brian Sims (incumbent)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 6,065
| percentage = 40.20%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Benjamin Waxman
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 5,151
| percentage = 34.14%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Marni Jo Snyder
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 2,060
| percentage = 13.66%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Louis D. Lanni Jr.
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 1,810
| percentage = 12.0%
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 15,086
| percentage = 100%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2016 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
}}
{{Election box candidate unopposed with party link
| candidate = Brian Sims (incumbent)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 31,733
| percentage = 100%
| change = 0
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 31,733
| percentage= 100%
| change = N/A
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no change
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| loser = Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2018 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
}}
{{Election box candidate unopposed with party link
| candidate = Brian Sims (incumbent)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 9,046
| percentage = 100%
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 9,046
| percentage = 100%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin
| title = 2018 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
| candidate = Brian Sims (incumbent)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 28,234
| percentage = 90.56%
| change = -9.44
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| candidate = James McDevitt
| party = Independent politician
| votes = 2,943
| percentage = 9.44%
| change = N/A
}}
{{Election box total
| votes = 31,177
| percentage= 100%
| change = N/A
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| loser = Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2020 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district, Democratic primary
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Brian Sims (incumbent)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 10,285
| percentage = 57.97%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Marisa Shaaban
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 7,457
| percentage = 42.03%
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 17,742
| percentage = 100%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin
| title = 2020 Pennsylvania State Representative election for the 182nd district
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
| candidate = Brian Sims (incumbent)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 34,225
| percentage = 83.08%
| change = -7.48
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| candidate = Andrew Murray
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 6,969
| percentage = 16.92%
| change = N/A
}}
{{Election box total
| votes = 41,194
| percentage= 100%
| change = N/A
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| loser = Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change|title=2022 Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor election, Democratic primary{{cite web |title=2022 Primary Election Official Results |url=https://www.electionreturns.pa.gov/Home/OfficeResults?OfficeID=4&ElectionID=94&ElectionType=P&IsActive=0 |website=Pennsylvania Department of State |date=May 17, 2022}}}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Austin Davis|votes=768,141|percentage=63.00%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Brian Sims|votes=305,959|percentage=25.09%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Ray Sosa|votes=145,228|percentage=11.91%}}
{{Election box total no change|votes=1,219,328|percentage=100.0%}}
{{end}}
Personal life
Sims became engaged to Alex Drakos in October 2023.{{cite web |url= https://www.advocate.com/people/brian-sims-engaged#rebelltitem1|title= Brian Sims, Former Pennsylvania Lawmaker, Is Engaged to Boyfriend|last= Cooper|first= Alex|date= October 28, 2023 |website= The Advocate|publisher= Pride Media|access-date= October 3, 2024}}
See also
References
{{reflist|30em|refs=
{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/442430-pennsylvania-dem-offers-100-to-anyone-identifying|title=Pennsylvania lawmaker offers $100 to anyone identifying anti-abortion protesters|last=Gstalter|first=Morgan|date=May 7, 2019|work=The Hill|access-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507154815/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/442430-pennsylvania-dem-offers-100-to-anyone-identifying|archive-date=May 7, 2019|url-status=live}}
{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/brian-sims-planned-parenthood-protesters-abortion-clinic-dox-1417557|title=Rep. Brian Sims Confronts Pro-Life Protesters at Planned Parenthood Clinic: 'What You're Doing Here is Disgusting'|last=Palmer|first=Ewan|date=May 7, 2019|work=Newsweek|access-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507131320/https://www.newsweek.com/brian-sims-planned-parenthood-protesters-abortion-clinic-dox-1417557|archive-date=May 7, 2019|url-status=live}}
{{Cite news|url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2019/05/06/brian-sims-planned-parenthood-philadelphia/|title=Brian Sims Berates "Old White Lady" Protesting at Philly Planned Parenthood|last=Fiorillo|first=Victor|date=May 6, 2019|work=Philadelphia|access-date=May 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508182311/https://www.phillymag.com/news/2019/05/06/brian-sims-planned-parenthood-philadelphia/|archive-date=May 8, 2019|url-status=live}}
}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [https://sims4pa.com/ Brian Sims for Pennsylvania] official campaign website
- [https://www.pahouse.com/sims/ State Representative Brian Sims] official caucus website
- [https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/House_bio.cfm?id=1650 Representative Brian Sims (D)] official PA House website
{{CongLinks |votesmart=136508}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sims, Brian}}
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Category:Democratic Party members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Category:Michigan State University College of Law alumni
Category:Players of American football from Pennsylvania
Category:Politicians from Washington, D.C.
Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people
Category:21st-century members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly