Brian Sims Claims Victory

He's on his way to becoming Pennsylvania's first openly gay legislator

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The crowd swelled last night at Woody’s where Brian Sims celebrated his victory in the primary for the State House in the 182nd district – an area encompassing the Gayborhood, Fairmount, Rittenhouse Square, Graduate Hospital and parts of South Philly. While his opponent, incumbent Babette Josephs, has yet to formally concede the race today – the AP called it by midnight, estimating that Sims won by a few hundred votes.

The 33-year-old lawyer – and former president of the board of Equality Pennsylvania – was ecstatic last night, saying he’s ready to get to work in Harrisburg as he faces no Republican opposition come November. This means Sims – a Democrat – will likely become the state’s first openly gay legislator, a history-making move that could change things in the state capital for LGBT citizens.

He was surrounded by many in the LGBT community, as well as staffers, supporters, family and friends and he thanked everyone for their hard work and votes.

“We were the second largest state to never elect an openly gay legislator,” Sims said last night, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. “I’m excited to get to work.”