31 openly gay candidates win races across U.S.
JOSHUA LYNSEN
Washington Blade
Friday, November 09, 2007
More than 30 openly gay candidates endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund won their races this week.
Chuck Wolfe, the Victory Fund’s president, said 31 endorsed candidates won their races Tuesday. Three more candidates will advance to runoff elections. Ten other candidates among the 71 candidates that the Victory Fund endorsed this year previously won their races.
Wolfe said the results are a significant step forward for gay politicians.
“This is the path to change,” he said. “We are not content to sit on the sidelines and hope that others do the right thing for our community. We will step up and lead the fight for a more equal and fair America, and we will win.”
Among the highlights in Tuesday’s elections:
Jeffrey Anderson of Minnesota won a seat on the Duluth City Council, becoming the city’s first openly gay elected official.
Brian Bates of Georgia won a seat on the Doraville City Council, becoming the first openly gay Republican to win office in the state.
Michelle Bruce of Georgia advanced to a runoff election to retain her seat on the Riverdale City Council. Bruce is transgender.
Joel Burns of Texas advanced to a runoff election for a seat on the Fort Worth City Council. An opponent used what the Victory Fund called “anti-gay smears” against Burns.
Craig Covey of Michigan won his race for mayor of Ferndale, becoming the state’s first openly gay mayor.
Reed Gusciora, a New Jersey assemblyman, retained his seat. This was Gusciora’s first election since he announced he is gay.
31 openly gay candidates win races across U.S.