Florida city elects fully LGBT+ government for first time in State history
Openly gay Justin Flippen was elected as Mayor of the city during the midterm elections
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
A Florida city has elected a fully LGBT+ government for the first time in the American state’s history.
The US midterm elections on Tuesday (November 6) saw the Democrats gain a majority in the House for the first time in eight years, offering the first opportunity for real congressional oversight of President Trump since his election two years ago.
For the first time in US history, over 100 female candidates were returned to the House of Representatives, while Colorado’s Jared Polis became the first ever openly gay person to be elected to the position of governor.
Now, Florida city Wilton Manors has elected a fully LGBT+ government after openly gay Justin Flippen was elected Mayor of the city during the midterm elections.
Flippen wrote on Twitter: “The journey to victory has been by way of our neighbourhoods, walking door to door, listening and discussing the issues we face and the solutions we can and will achieve with the right leadership in city hall.
“Tonight’s victory would not be possible without the support of loved ones, family, and friends who have invested time and talent in my candidacy and the community support from so many who, like me, are proud to call Wilton Manors home.”
Flippen joins two other gay men – outgoing mayor Gary Resnick and newcomer Paul Rolli – who both won commission seats.
They are joined by LGBT+ local lawmakers Tom Green and Julie Carson – who are already serving their terms as commissioners.
Straight Scott Newton lost his bid for re-election.