William P. Fitzpatrick

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

Will 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 P Fitzpatrick

1961
Ireland
Political partyDemocratic
ResidenceCalifornia

Born and raised in Ireland, he was educated by the Roman Catholic 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 resides in California.

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.
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