William P. Fitzpatrick

William Peter Fitzpatrick (born February 23, 1961) is an Irish-born retired American politician. A Democrat, he served from 1993-97 in the Rhode Island Senate.

William P. Fitzpatrick
Member of the Rhode Island Senate
from the 11th district
In office
January 1993 – January 1997
Preceded byDavid H. Sholes
Succeeded byElizabeth H. Roberts
Personal details
Born
William Peter Fitzpatrick

February 23, 1961
Ireland
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Rodrigo G. Cruz Garcia
ResidenceHayward, California

Born and raised in Ireland, he was educated by the Patrician Brothers before emigrating to the United States. A computer programmer by trade, Fitzpatrick ran for the Rhode Island Senate from the 11th district in 1992, comprising parts of Cranston. He defeated seven-term incumbent David H. Sholes in the Democratic primary election held on September 15, 1992 and went on to win the general election. A resident of Edgewood, he served two terms, holding office from January 1993 until January 1997. He was not a candidate for re-election to a third term in November 1996 and was succeeded by Elizabeth H. Roberts, who went on to be elected Lieutenant Governor.[1]

Sexual orientation

A gay man, Fitzpatrick confirmed his sexual orientation to the media weeks after his election in November 1992. He was the first ever openly gay member of the Rhode Island Legislature.[2][3][4]

Personal life

Fitzpatrick and his husband, Rodrigo Cruz Garcia, reside in Hayward, California.[5] He is also known as Will Fitzpatrick.

References
  1. Providence Journal: Sen. Fitzpatrick's attendance sags: The lawmaker, away in Texas on personal business, says he won't be back until next Monday, pqasb.pqarchiver.com; accessed January 26, 2018.
  2. David W. Dunlap, "Rhode Island is moving to protect homosexuals", nytimes.com, April 3, 1995; accessed December 8, 2010.
  3. David W. Dunlap, "Rhode Island's Senate Sends Gay-Rights Bill to Governor", May 20, 1995; accessed December 8, 2010.
  4. Providence Journal: Senator-elect says he's a homosexual: District 11's Will Fitzpatrick says he's never made it a secret, pqasb.pqarchiver.com; accessed January 26, 2018.
  5. I am William Fitzpatrick and I live in Hayward, California with my husband Rodrigo Cruz Garcia. My email is wmfitzpat@gmail.com
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