Gay lawmaker running for Maryland governor

Delegate Heather Mizeur has high hopes of being elected as Maryland’s first openly gay governor. Mizeur plans to make her campaign announcement on Wednesday for the 2014 governor’s race.

Mizeur, a democrat, would also be Maryland’s first female governor if elected.

Maryland legalized same sex marriage earlier this year, after voters approved legislation allowing it in November.

An openly gay candidate has never been elected as governor in any state. Mizeur has been a member of Maryland’s House of Delegates since 2007. She has focused on health issues while in office and is also an outspoken advocate for caution while allowing drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale in western Maryland.