Local

Gay Del. Senate candidate sets fundraising record

Andy Staton has raised $105,697.39 since he announced his candidacy

Published

14 years ago

August 21, 2012

Michael K. Lavers

Gay News, Washington Blade, Gay Delaware

Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers

A gay Delaware state Senate candidate on Friday announced he has raised more money than any other first-time political hopeful in a primary election campaign.

Rehoboth Beach Realtor Andy Staton, who would become the first openly LGBT person elected to the state legislature in Delaware if voters elect him to represent the new 6th Senate District in November, said his campaign has raised a record $105,697.39 — more than twice as much as any other candidate — as of Aug. 11. This figure includes the $83,000 he has raised since the beginning of the year.

Staton told the Blade that 70 percent of campaign contributions have been $100 or less.

“I am extraordinarily excited that we have had so many folks from our community stepping out to support the campaign. At the same time I’m humbled by the response,” he said. “People from across the district are responding to ideas. We’re presenting real ideas and real solutions so that we can deliver on solutions as we go forward. And I’m humbled that so many people have chosen to invest in our campaign.”

Governor Jack Markell, House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf (D-Rehoboth Beach,) Senate Majority Leader Patricia Blevins (D-Elsmere) and Rehoboth Beach Commissioners Patricia Coluzzi, Patrick Gossett and Mark Hunker are among the state and local officials who have endorsed Staton. The Victory Fund and the Barbara Gittings Delaware Stonewall Democrats have also backed his campaign.

“The overwhelming support for Andy’s campaign demonstrates that his message of standing up for Delaware families and helping create jobs is resonating with voters,” Chuck Wolfe, president of the Victory Fund, told the Blade. “This is a historic race with the potential of electing the first openly LGBT member of the Delaware legislature. Andy’s leadership is inspiring a lot of people to get involved in this campaign.”

Staton, whose 150 lbs. weight loss garnered national media coverage in Men’s Health and other media outlets, is on the CAMP Rehoboth Leadership Council. He sits on the Sussex Family YMCA’s Board of Governors and serves as an ambassador to the Beebe Medical Foundation that raises funds for an eponymous regional hospital in Lewes.

The triathlete and marathon runner told the Blade that the economy, increasing the number of doctors and other health care professionals in the area, expanding the district’s transportation network and building schools and additional infrastructure to accommodate the additional 100,000 people who are expected to live in Sussex County by 2040 are among his top priorities. Staton said he would also back a same-sex marriage bill if elected.

Markell signed a civil unions law in May 2011 which took effect on Jan. 1. The governor told the Huffington Post earlier this month that he expects Delaware lawmakers could debate marriage rights for same-sex couples as early as next year.

“Marriage equality certainly is very, very important to lots of folks in the community — there seems to be very, very support for that as we go forward,” said Staton. “There’s no doubt that I would in fact support a marriage equality bill.”

Staton will square off against former Dewey Beach Mayor Bob Frederick and former congressional candidate Mike Miller in the Democratic primary on Sept. 11. Lewes resident Ernie Lopez will face against Glen Urquhart, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2010, in the Republican primary.

Staton would campaign against either Lopez or Urquhart in the general election if he defeats Frederick and Miller.

Up Next

Bi congressional candidate accuses opponent of homophobic tactics

Don't Miss

Supreme Court asked to hear Conn. DOMA case

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

1 day ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

2 days ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.

Monday (9/7)

The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.

Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.

Maryland

Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names

Conservative groups challenged system’s policy

Published

2 days ago

September 1, 2026

Baltimore Banner

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has issued new internal guidance for students who ask to be addressed by gender-affirming names and pronouns. (Photo by Eric Thompson for the Baltimore Banner)

By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.

Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”

Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.