Cal Anderson | |
---|---|
Member of the Washington Senate from the 43rd legislative district |
|
In office January 9, 1995 – August 4, 1995 |
|
Preceded by | Janice Niemi |
Succeeded by | Pat Thibaudeau |
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the Position 1, 43rd legislative district |
|
In office November 9, 1987 – January 9, 1995 |
|
Preceded by | Janice Niemi |
Succeeded by | Pat Thibaudeau |
Personal details | |
Born |
Calvin Bruce Anderson May 2, 1948 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
Died | August 4, 1995 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
(aged 47)
Political party | Democratic |
Residence | Seattle, Washington |
Calvin Bruce "Cal" Anderson (May 2, 1948 – August 4, 1995) was an American politician. A Democrat, he served in both chambers of the Washington State Legislature, representing the 43rd Legislative District in Pos. 1 in the state House of Representatives, as well as its State Senator. Anderson was Washington State's first openly gay legislator.
Anderson served in Vietnam before his political career where he won two Bronze Star Medals and four Army Commendation Medals. On November 9, 1987, Anderson was appointed to a state house vacancy by King County Council, becoming Washington state's first openly gay legislator. He represented the 43rd legislative district, focused on downtown Seattle. In November 1994, he was elected to the Washington State Senate, taking office in January 1995. He served only briefly in the senate, dying on August 4, 1995 of AIDS. Future Seattle mayor Ed Murray served as his campaign manager during the 1988 legislative race.
On April 10, 2003, Seattle's Broadway Park was renamed Cal Anderson Park in his honor.