Openly Gay State Rep. Heather Mizeur Announces Bid For Maryland Governor

Openly gay Maryland state Rep. Heather Mizeur has announced her 2014 run for governor. The Washington Blade reports:

“I’m running for governor because I love this state and I see limitless possibilities on what we can accomplish together,” she told the Washington Blade in an interview before she officially declared her candidacy in an e-mail to supporters. Mizeur cited economic development, protecting the state’s environment and improving the quality of Maryland’s public schools and health care system as among her top campaign issues. “There are great challenges facing us and also incredible opportunities.”

If elected, Mizeur would become Maryland's first female governor and the first openly gay governor in the history of the nation. Current Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley cannot run for a third consecutive time, per state election rules. Among Mizeur's possible GOP opponents is former RNC chairman Michael Steele.