In Tuesday's election, a handful of openly gay, lesbian and bisexual candidates were elected to serve the U.S. Government. Seven of these candidates were elected or re-elected to the House of Representatives, but it doesn't stop there.
Democrat Maura Healey will be first openly gay state attorney general in the US http://t.co/5yzwQEZVpZpic.twitter.com/5e9vNRVwLQ
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) November 5, 2014
The election of Maura Healey designates her the first openly gay Attorney General in United States history. Massachusetts has a heartwarming history of LGBT friendly legislation and legislators. It was the first state in the nation to legalize gay marriage. Healey defeated Republican John Miller by quite a large margin, 62% to 38%. Attorney General Healey has spent years fighting for the reproductive rights of women and has been honored by many pro-choice organizations.
I’m committed to ensuring every vote is counted. So glad to have my sister & my partner with me this morning. pic.twitter.com/KDOBrAUIdZ
— Carl DeMaio (@carldemaio) November 5, 2014
Carl DeMaio is an openly gay Republican from California running against Scott Peters for a seat in the House of Representatives. DeMaio and Peters are neck and neck, but with DeMaio ahead by 752 votes, it looks like he will be victorious. However, the race is too close to call yet.
#NewYork: U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney wins re-election to U.S. House http://t.co/kPGSj7cVJMpic.twitter.com/LQUwv3YAfT
— LGBTQ Nation (@lgbtqnation) November 5, 2014
Sean Patrick Maloney was reelected in New York over GOP challenger Nan Hayworth. This openly gay Democrat was the second member of congress to legally marry his same-sex partner, Randy Florke, while in office.
#California Rep. Mark Takano elected to 2nd term in US House http://t.co/UoYkItyKBrpic.twitter.com/EG3BELG12C
— LGBTQ Nation (@lgbtqnation) November 5, 2014
Mark Takano, an LGBT-identified man of color, was re-elected to serve California's 41st congressional district, defeating Stee Adams 55.12% to 44.88%.
Kalamazoo elects first openly gay representative, @jonhoadley, to state House: http://t.co/rPWbhPSUGrpic.twitter.com/Y9z03DJQJW
— WOOD TV (@WOODTV) November 6, 2014
Jon Hoadley was elected to the House of Representatives in Michigan. He will be the first openly gay legislator in the Michigan House since 2007.
.@kyrstensinema defeats Wendy Rogers in 9th Congressional District race: http://t.co/FUiFqrzvJgpic.twitter.com/ziIH16Xj8a
— The State Press (@statepress) November 5, 2014
Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona defeated Wendy Rogers in the 9th District. Sinema was the first openly bisexual women elected to Congress.
Openly gay #DavidCicilline wins re-election for US House from Rhode Island. pic.twitter.com/qmYCMKEKpL
— Chicago Phoenix (@chicagophoenix) November 5, 2014
David Cicilline is an openly gay congressman from Providence, Rhode Island. He has been re-elected to the House of Representatives. Cicilline was the first openly gay mayor of a state capital.
Openly gay #MarkPocan wins re-election to US House from Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/QuvBNOWPAH
— Chicago Phoenix (@chicagophoenix) November 5, 2014
Mark Pocan has been re-elected to serve the 2nd District of Wisconsin. For years, he has been active in the LGBT community in Madison.
#Colorado: Out Democrat Jared Polis elected to fourth term in U.S. House http://t.co/yesJjq303Bpic.twitter.com/htTEwMm1KF
— LGBTQ Nation (@lgbtqnation) November 5, 2014
Jared Polis defeated Republican George Leing in the race for the second District in Colorado. The newly reelected congressman is a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus.
Sheila Kuehl defeated Bobby Sheiver in the race for L.A. County Supervisor. She will be the first openly LGBT person to serve on the Board of Supervisors.
Many more LGBT candidates ran in this year's election. Here at GLAAD, we celebrate the representation of our community in this year's election and we invite you to do the same. Comment below or Tweet on who you voted for.