Dean Trantalis Becomes First Openly Gay Mayor of Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale voters have elected the city's first openly gay mayor, the SunSentinel is reporting.

Attorney Dean Trantalis, 64, won the race by easily defeating opponent Bruce Roberts on Tuesday, according to the newspaper.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., praised Trantalis' victory.

"Mayor-Elect Trantalis has a true passion for public service and fighting for civil rights," she said. "This is a massive victory for Broward County and the LGBT community nationwide.

Trantalis said the victory showed the city "has evolved into a much more diverse and cosmopolitan municipality." And he maintained the race focused on issues rather than who was "gay or not gay."

Meanwhile, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who heads the LGBTQ Victory Fund, said: "When Dean takes office, Fort Lauderdale will be the largest city in the south with an openly LGBTQ mayor and his voice will resonate throughout the region."

Trantalis, had run for mayor in 2009, but lost, according to Local10.com.

• Palm Springs City Council to Be 100% LGBT
• Perry Blasts Election of 1st Gay Texas A&M Student President