Charlie Crist, the former Governor of Florida, declared his support for marriage equality in what appears to be the latest stage of his evolution from Republican to Democrat politics.

On May 8 Crist posted to Facebook: “Some great news: On Tuesday, Delaware became the 11th state to allow marriage equality. And just a few days ago, Rhode Island adopted a similar measure, which followed victories last fall in Maine, Maryland and Washington. I most certainly support marriage equality in Florida and look forward to the day it happens here.”

Crist was referring to news that Rhode Island became the tenth US state to allow equal marriage on 2 May. Delaware followed close behind on 7 May.

From 2007 to 2011 Crist served as Governor of Florida. During his time as a member of the Republican party he pushed for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Florida. He later said he regretted the decision.

He switched his political allegiance in 2012 and is reported to be planning to run for the Governor seat again – this time as a Democrat.

Crist has long been the subject of rumours about his sexuality, and was accused of paying off male sexual partners to keep quiet about relationships.

He featured prominently in the 2009 documentary Outrage, which looked into the opposition of gay rights by closeted politicians in the US.

Delaware State Senator Karen Peterson came out as a lesbian during her speech to convince colleagues to vote in favour of same-sex marriage on 7 May.