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Ortiz Jones is First LGBTQ+ Mayor of San Antonio

On June 7, Gina Ortiz Jones was elected mayor of San Antonio, Texas — the nation’s seventh-largest city — making history as the first out LGBTQ+ person to hold the office. A San Antonio native, Ortiz Jones has devoted her life to service, from years in the military and intelligence to her groundbreaking role as the first woman of color and first out LGBTQ+ undersecretary of a U.S. military department. She also serves on the Asian American Foundation Advisory Council, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Board of Directors, and the Council on Foreign Relations. Her election as mayor not only adds a historic milestone to her storied career but also marks a significant step forward for representation in one of Texas’ largest cities.

First Gay Man Elected to Delaware State Senate

In a historic February election, Dan Cruce was elected to the Delaware State Senate, representing District 1. With extensive experience in both the nonprofit and governmental sectors — including key roles at the Delaware Department of Education — Cruce brought a wealth of expertise and dedication to his campaign. His victory marks a milestone in Delaware’s political history, as he becomes the first out gay man ever elected to the State Senate. Cruce’s election not only breaks new ground for LGBTQ+ representation in the state but also signals a broader commitment to inclusive leadership and community-focused governance.

Transgender Trailblazing on an Ohio City Council

In January, Arienne Childrey was appointed to serve as the 4th Ward City Council Member on the St. Mary’s City Council by the county’s Democratic Party Central Committee. With this appointment, Childrey became the first out transgender woman to serve on the St. Mary’s City Council — and the first to hold a seat on any city council in Ohio. Her groundbreaking appointment marks a historic moment for transgender representation in local government, bringing new voices, perspectives, and leadership to Ohio communities.

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