Gay Realtor Charges Toward History in Delaware

Rehoboth Beach real estate agent Andy Staton hopes to become the first openly LGBT person elected to the Delaware legislature, and he has a healthy bank account and a wealth of endorsements on his side.

With over $105,000 raised, Staton earned more contributions than any other first-time political hopeful in a Delaware primary election campaign; that's twice as much as any other candidate. Staton is vying to represent parts of Sussex County in the state senate and will face off against former Dewey Beach mayor Bob Frederick and former congressional candidate Mike Miller in the Democratic primary September 11.

Staton has nabbed numerous endorsements, including those of the Victory Fund, Gov. Jack Markell, leaders of the state Senate and House majorities, and several Rehoboth Beach commissioners. The aspiring politician gained notoriety when his 150-pound weight loss was documented in Men's Health. If elected, he plans on working to better Delaware's economy, improve health care, and bring marriage equality to the state.

"Marriage equality certainly is very, very important to lots of folks in the community," Staton told the Washington Blade. "There's no doubt that I would in fact support a marriage equality bill."

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