CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — City council candidate Chris Anderson made history Tuesday night when he became the first openly gay candidate to win an election in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Anderson, who was endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, beat a two-term incumbent to represent City Council District 7.

The lifelong Chattanooga resident has been active in Democratic politics and area community groups for years, once serving as the national executive vice president of the Young Democrats of America.

“We are thrilled for Chris and for the people of Chattanooga, who will benefit from his passion, drive and leadership skills. This is also a huge victory for the LGBT community in southeast Tennessee, who finally have an authentic voice for equality in government,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

Anderson will be one of just two openly LGBT elected officials in the state of Tennessee.