West Virginia elects first openly gay state legislator

Stephen Skinner tonight has become the first openly gay candidate to win election to the West Virginia state legislature.

A native of the state, Skinner was the founder and board president of Fairness West Virginia, the statewide LGBT advocacy group.

“This is a big step forward for West Virginia, and we could not be prouder of Stephen’s accomplishment,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, which endorsed Skinner.

Skinner is one candidate among a handful who could become their state’s first or only openly LGBT lawmakers tonight.