To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Ritchie Torres Becomes First Openly Gay Black Member Of Congress

Ritchie Torres Becomes First Openly Gay Black Member Of Congress

Mondaire Jones also made history after being elected to New York's 17th District

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Ritchie Torres has become the first openly gay black member of Congress.

The Democrat is celebrating tonight (4 November) after taking New York's 15th District, replacing the retiring representative José Serrano.

Taking to his Instagram account, Torres thanked everyone who came out and voted for him and said he was looking forward to getting to work.

He said: "Thank you. Tonight, we made history. It is the honor of a lifetime to represent the essential borough, the Bronx."

In a separate statement following his victory, Torres said: "The Bronx is my home, it is what made me who I am, and it is what I will fight for in Congress."

He went on to say that it was 'the honor of a lifetime', and thanked his mother, 'a working single mom who fought for a better life for her family', for being an inspiration.

He was quickly followed by fellow Democratic nominee in New York, Mondaire Jones, also openly gay, who defeated Republican Maureen McArdle Schulman to take the 17th District.

Annise Parker, one of the first openly gay mayors of a major US city and CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund congratulated both men on their victories.

She said: "Mondaire and Ritchie have shattered a rainbow ceiling and will bring unique perspectives based on lived experiences never before represented in the U.S. Congress.

"As our nation grapples with racism, police brutality and a pandemic that disproportionally affects people of color and LGBTQ people, these are the voices that can pull us from the brink and toward a more united and fair society.

Mondaire Jones won his seat in New York's 17th District.
PA

"Their elections will end any doubts about the electability of Black LGBTQ men to our nation's highest legislative body. It will also inspire more young LGBTQ leaders and leaders of colour to run and serve."

This news comes after it was announced that Sarah McBride had become the first openly transgender senator in the history of the United States.

The 30-year-old Democrat celebrated her win in Delaware tonight, defeating Republican Steve Washington by some way.

Taking to social media, McBride, who serves as the National Press Secretary of Human Rights Campaign, said she was over the moon with her victory.

She told her followers on Twitter: "We did it. We won the general election. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

"I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too.

"As Delaware continues to face the Covid crisis, it's time to get to work to invest in the policies that will make a difference for working families."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: US News, Election