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In a contest that needed a run-off to make a final decision, former City Controller Annise Parker (D) beat former City Attorney Gene Locke (D) to become Mayor of Houston. In the process Ms. Parker has just become the first lesbian mayor of a major US city.

In complete but unofficial returns, Parker coasted to a comfortable victory with 52.8 percent of the vote to 47.2 percent for Locke. Turnout was 16.5 percent. Some were surprised at the results seeing as how Texas is a state that has outlawed gay marriage. But some see this as a new day for Houstonians “It’s a huge step forward for Houston,” said one of the volunteers, Lindsey Dionne, who is lesbian. “It shows hate will not prevail in this city.”

Ms. Parker will take over Jan. 1, 2010 for Bill White who will be running for governor of Texas.