The last straight member of the Wilton Manors city council lost his bid for re-election last week, making the small Florida city only the second in the United States to be run entirely by LGBTIQ+ people.
According to reports from Sun Sentinel, Scott Newton was ousted by voters in favour of former mayor Gary Resnick and newcomer Paul Rolli, who won the two commission seats up for re-election. Both Resnick and Rolli are proud members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Former commissioner Justin Flippen, who is openly gay, was elected the city's new mayor.
Prior to last week's election, Victory Fund, which fights for the increased representation of LGBTIQ+ people in government, encouraged voters to make history in the Sunshine State.
"LGBTQ people are severely under-represented at every level of government, so to have an all-LGBTQ city commission and an LGBTQ mayor in Wilton Manors would be an exciting moment, especially given the strong LGBTQ community there,” Sean Meloy, the organisation’s political director, said in a statement.
Flippen celebrated his election to Mayor with a heartfelt statement in which he said the win was a "victory of, for and by the people".
“The journey to victory has been by way of our neighborhoods, 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,” he wrote.
“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.”
