Houston, Texas has become the largest city in the United States to elect an openly gay mayor. Annise Parker was declared the winner in a runoff election last night. Social conservatives fought her election, funding a campaign aimed at turning out likeminded voters to support her opponent. But Parker's endorsements from labor, police, women's, gay rights, and other groups were echoed by the Houston Chronicle, the area's major daily newspaper.

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said her victory holds tremendous significance for the gay community.

"This is a watershed moment in American politics. Annise was elected by fair-minded people from across the city because of her experience and competence, and we're glad Houston soundly rejected the politics of division. This victory sends a clear signal that gays and lesbians are an integral part of American civic life, that we're willing to lead, and that voters will respond to candidates who are open and honest about their lives," Wolfe said.

Parker praised the support of the Victory Fund and its donors, who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help fund her campaign.

"I am so grateful to the Victory Fund and its supporters for believing in this campaign from the beginning. This race was about the future of Houston, and whether we will face that future proud to be an open, welcoming, and fair-minded city. Tonight Houstonians said yes to a future like that, and I am glad the Victory Fund helped make that happen," Parker said.

Parker's election was the Victory Fund's top political priority in 2009, a year that saw 54 of its 79 endorsed openly gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender (LGBT) candidates elected to public office.

Annise Parker lives with her lesbian lover of nineteen years. They have two children. She has been openly gay throughout her political career in Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States.

Note from Ron: This good news from Texas comes as balm from the very sad news that New Jersey will not vote on gay marriage, the repercussions of which are very likely to be reflected in a conflicted U.S. Congress and the U.S. Court system.