Is Tuesday's vote a 'moment' for Atlanta's LGBT community?
Metro Atlanta's LGBT voters have long been a force in local politics, but the gay community is marshaling its growing political clout in new ways ahead of Tuesday's runoffs to decide Atlanta's next mayor and other big-ticket contests.
City Council president candidate Alex Wan and Fulton County Commission chair contender Keisha Waites are both openly gay. And Cathy Woolard, who finished a strong third in her quest for mayor, could play queenmaker with a late endorsement in the race to lead the city.
That’s but a snapshot of the community’s increasing role in metro Atlanta votes. There were at least 16 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender candidates on the ballots in November’s vote, a collection of city races and special elections. Veteran LGBT leaders say it’s a sign that the political debate in the metro area is gradually being reshaped.
Keep reading: Metro Atlanta’s LGBT voters flex muscle in 2017 votes
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
