New Yorkers Torres, Jones become first gay Black men elected to U.S. Congress
NEW YORK, ( Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Two New Yorkers this week became the first gay men of colour elected to the U.S. Congress, making strides for LGBT+ rights while the U.S. presidential candidates were locked in a close national contest.
Democrats Ritchie Torres, a openly gay Black and Latino man from New York City's Bronx borough, and Mondaire Jones, a openly gay Black man from a New York City suburb, won seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
"A wise person once said, 'If you don't have a seat at the table, then you're probably on the menu,'" Torres told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
"With Mondaire Jones and I, LGBTQ people of color will have a seat at one of the most powerful tables, the United
States Congress."
Their election came as a liberal "blue wave" that had been predicted by some pundits failed to materialize, and Republicans appeared poised to retain control of the U.S. Senate and chip away at the Democratic majority in the House.
"Overall it's a disappointment," said Torres, who said he was hoping for a Democratic sweep of the presidency, Senate and House.
"Instead, we are likely to have divided government that could result in more gridlock," he said. Jones said he found support in progressive voters who said they were less excited about the more centrist views of the Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, who was running against Republican President Donald Trump.