Openly Gay MA State Rep. Carl Sciortino Announces Bid For U.S. House

Last week Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) declared his candidacy for John Kerry's Senate seat.  Should Markey win, openly gay Massachusetts state Rep. Carl Sciortino will run for his House seat.

"I am running to continue the strong progressive leadership that the families of the Fifth District have always counted on," Sciortino said in a statement. "I look forward to bringing my record of accomplishment to Washington to fight for our progressive values." First elected to the State House in 2004 at age 25, Sciortino -- who is openly gay -- was vocal in the effort to legalize gay marriage in Massachusetts, and has crafted transgender equality legislation. He represents parts of Somerville and Medford.

If Sciortino wins, he'll become the seventh openly LGBT member of the current House.