Tampa elects a mayor who happens to be a lesbian mom

Jane Castor, a retired police chief, was handily elected Tampa’s next mayor on Tuesday, becoming the city’s first openly gay leader.

Castor, 59, won more than 73% of the vote, according to unofficial results posted by Florida’s election board. Her opponent, multimillionaire businessman David Straz, garnered just under 27%.

“How exciting is this!” Castor told supporters in a victory speech on Tuesday evening.

During the event, Castor thanked her sons for their support during the seven-week runoff election and expressed gratitude for her “invincible” partner, Ana Cruz.

“I would not be standing here today if it were not for her,” Castor said of Cruz, a political consultant. “Everything that you have done has brought me to this point here. Mostly I thank you for your friendship, and I thank you for your love.”