Florida: First Openly-Gay State Legislator Elected As 3 Gay Candidates Win Primaries
Florida last night elected the man who will become its first openly-gay state legislator, David Richardson (image), and three openly-gay Democrats, Joe Saunders, John Alvarez, and Ian Whitney won their primaries and will face Republicans in November.
Via Equality Florida:
Tonight voters elected our first out gay state legislator in Florida’s history! David Richardson was elected to the Florida House in District 113, representing Miami Beach. No Republicans entered the race so David’s victory in the Democratic primary and edged out three opponents to claim the seat.
When the legislature convenes in 2013, David may not be alone in making history. Orange County voters just delivered a huge primary election victory for out, gay candidate Joe Saunders in the House District 49 race. He carried his district with a 30 point margin over his Democratic challenger. Joe now faces his Republican opponent in November in an I-4 corridor battle – the most hotly contested region of the state.
…
Brevard County also delivered an exciting  primary victory for out, gay candidate John Alvarez in the House District 53 race.  Alvarez won with an exciting 15 point margin over his Deomcratic challenger.  John now faces Republican incumbent John Tobia in November.
Florida has not only broken the lavender ceiling, we could shatter it entirely. Ian Whitney, an out gay candidate running in House District 120 out of Key West was uncontested in the primary and will advance to the general election.
Congratulations to all!
Â

Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |