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 by | David H. Sholes |
| Succeeded by | Elizabeth H. Roberts |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Peter Fitzpatrick February 23, 1961 Ireland |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Rodrigo G. Cruz Garcia |
| Residence | Hayward, 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. He is also known as Will Fitzpatrick.
References
- 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.
- David W. Dunlap, "Rhode Island is moving to protect homosexuals", nytimes.com, April 3, 1995; accessed December 8, 2010.
- David W. Dunlap, "Rhode Island's Senate Sends Gay-Rights Bill to Governor", May 20, 1995; accessed December 8, 2010.
- 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.