Gubernatorial candidate announces he's gay

Rep. Mike Michaud, the Democratic candidate for governor Maine, came out in an editorial published in the Portland Press Herald Monday. (Via WGME)

“That may seem like a big announcement to some people. For me, it’s just a part of who I am, as much as being a third-generation mill worker or a lifelong Mainer. One thing I do know is that it has nothing to do with my ability to lead the state of Maine.”

Fifty-eight-year-old Michaud said he wrote the editorial in response to whisper campaigns against him questioning his sexuality.

Media outlets like The Atlantic are pointing out he didn't use the platform to push for gay rights — he simply talked about his dedication to bettering Maine, and said sexual orientation wasn't a part of his job.

As of late last week, Michaud has a slight lead in the polls for the 2014 race— with 33 percent of voters saying they would vote for him and 30 percent for his Republican rival, Gov. Paul LePage, who's seeking a second term. (Via WAGM)

And Buzzfeed notes this makes Michaud the most senior openly gay or bisexual member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Michaud has served in Congress since 2003. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Maine in 2012.

Michaud's editorial was published the morning after The Huffington Post published this piece by President Barack Obama calling for Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which protects LGBT employees from being fired for their sexual orientation.

Heather Mizeur of Maryland is also openly gay and running for governor of that state.

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