Houston elects First Lesbian Mayor

Annise Parker celebrating her victory as the first openly gay mayor of a large city

On Saturday night, city controller of Houston, Annise Parker won Houston's run off election to become the first openly gay mayor of a large city.

Ms. Parker won by defeating Gene Locke, an African-American former city attorney by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent. The final weeks leading up to the vote on Saturday were consumed with personal attacks and mud slinging. Several anti gay groups sent out fliers denouncing Ms. Parker's sexual orientation. While Mr. Locke came out against the attacks several of his major supporters help finance some of the mailings.

"This election has changed the world for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. Just as it is about transforming the lives of all Houstonians for the better, and that's what my administration will be about," stated Ms. Parker on the night of her big win.

This has been a great week for politicalgirls! Ms. Parker's victory comes after Martha Coakley's primary win over four males in Massachusetts for Senator Edward Kennedy's former Senate seat.