California’s statewide LGBTI advocacy group Equality California endorsed gay state assemblyman Todd Gloria last week for Mayor (8 March).

If elected in the 2020 Mayoral race, Gloria would become the first LGBTI person elected in one of the Golden State’s largest cities.

With 1.4 million residents, San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the country and the second largest in the state.

Furthermore, Equality California executive director Rick Zbur welcomed the news.

Zbur said: ‘Todd Gloria will be a mayor who fights for every San Diegan, in every community.

‘Todd has championed civil rights and social justice for the LGBTQ community and worked tirelessly to give all Californians a shot at success.

‘We’re ready to make history in 2020.’

Who is Gloria?

Gloria, 40, announced his plans to run back in January.

Only two candidates will advance to the general election after the non-partisan mayoral primaries on 3 March next year.

Gloria said he was ‘proud to have Equality California join our diverse coalition looking to make history,’ according to the Bay Area Reporter.

He said his campaign ‘is about sending a clear message that San Diego is a place for all people where everyone has an equal opportunity to be successful.’

Meanwhile, Gloria briefly served as San Diego’s interim mayor in late 2013 through early 2014.

This was due to the resignation of former mayor Bob Filner amid sexual harassment accusations.

San Diego and LGBTI rights

It’s well known that San Diego is, well, super gay.

The state of California on the west coast is seen as the on fit most liberal states when it comes to LGBTI rights.

Since the 70s, LGBTI Californias have enjoyed a gentle upwards curve.

Significantly, California was the first state to legalize domestic partnerships between same-sex couples back in 1999.

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