deb mell (right) married christin baker in 2011
photo credit // chicagopride.com file
Jaime Andrade is an advocate of same-sex marriage legislation
Chicago, IL -
Jaime Andrade, a longtime aide to former Chicago Ald. Richard Mell, was selected by Democratic leaders on Monday to succeed out lesbian Deb Mell in the Illinois House.
Andrade, 40, was one of three candidates up for the legislature job, according to NBC5. He will be up for reelection in 2014.
Last month, Deb Mell, 44, stepped down as state representative to replace her father on Chicago's city council when he retired after nearly 40 years as 33rd Ward alderman.
Andrade is reportedly an advocate of same-sex marriage legislation.
"I can't tell them who they can fall in love with," Andrade said.
Deb Mell and her partner, Christin Baker, have been strong advocates for marriage equality in Illinois and the 40th District seat is seen as crucial to LGBT rights.
The other two applicants were Mel Ferrand, a Chicago Public Schools librarian, and Audrey Cosgrove, an attorney.
Andrade, 40, was one of three candidates up for the legislature job, according to NBC5. He will be up for reelection in 2014.
Last month, Deb Mell, 44, stepped down as state representative to replace her father on Chicago's city council when he retired after nearly 40 years as 33rd Ward alderman.
Andrade is reportedly an advocate of same-sex marriage legislation.
"I can't tell them who they can fall in love with," Andrade said.
Deb Mell and her partner, Christin Baker, have been strong advocates for marriage equality in Illinois and the 40th District seat is seen as crucial to LGBT rights.
The other two applicants were Mel Ferrand, a Chicago Public Schools librarian, and Audrey Cosgrove, an attorney.
