CicillinevictoryAfter Tuesday’s primaries, we’re one giant step closer to adding a fourth openly gay member of Congress.  But that’s not the whole story of last night.  Out candidates advanced in races across the country, setting up the possibility of an historic year in gay politics.
Providence Mayor David Cicilline won his Democratic primary to represent the Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House, a key test in a very blue state.  Still, he’s not measuring for drapes in a Capitol Hill office just yet.
Cicilline sent the following message last night when he learned he’d won his primary:
“I’m very grateful that the Victory Fund and their supporters believe in this campaign, and I thank you for your hard work on our behalf.  Together we really can change politics in Rhode Island and across the country, and make sure that all Americans have a voice in their government.  I hope you’ll continue to stand with us as we work hard for a big victory this November.”
In all, 29 of the Victory Fund’s 33 openly LGBT candidates with primaries Tuesday night advanced, and many of those have only token opposition this fall.
Other highlights:
–The Maryland House of Delegates is set to welcome three new gay and lesbian members, bringing the total number of out Maryland state lawmakers to 7.  This could have an enormous impact on the fight to bring marriage equality to the state.  Gov. Martin O’Malley earlier this month pledged to sign a marriage equality bill if the state legislature is able to pass one.
–Among the winners in Maryland is Mary Washington, who is on track to becoming just the second openly lesbian African-American to be elected to a state legislature anywhere in America.  Her Baltimore district will likely have two lesbian representatives in the House of Delegates.  Incumbent Maggie McIntosh also won her primary.
–Harry Bronson could become the sixth openly LGBT member of the New York state legislature.  Bronson won the Democratic primary in his Rochester-area district.  He would be the only out Assembly member from upstate New York if he wins the general election this fall.


-end-