Thomas Duane
Candidate for State Senator
29th District, New York
- Office Sought: New York State Senate, District 29
- Primary Election Date: September 9, 2008
- General Election Date: November 4, 2008
- Contribution Limits: Primary: $6,000 General: $9,500
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Tom Duane became the New York state Senate's first openly-gay and first openly HIV-positive member in 1998. Now, he seeks re-election by voters in the state’s 29th district.
Duane is a strong and effective advocate for those New Yorkers who normally do not have a voice in the halls of government. He is a defender of a woman's right to choose; committed to full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered New Yorkers; an activist for parks and open space and protecting the environment; a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the terrible stigma and misunderstandings that surround this public health problem. He is also a strong supporter of legislative, governmental, and campaign finance reform.
During the 2002 legislative session, Duane worked hard for passage of the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA). After a 31-year struggle, SONDA passed both houses of the legislature and was signed into law by the Governor. Duane serves as Assistant Minority Leader for Policy and Administration, is Ranking Minority Member of the Investigations Committee and is a member of the Senate Codes, Civil Service and Pensions, Finance, Health, Judiciary and Rules Committees.
Prior to his election to the State Senate, Duane served for seven years in the New York City Council. Tom has worked hard and continues to assist with up and coming LGBT candidates and helps the LGBT New York caucus grow.
A resident of Chelsea since 1976, Duane was elected to four terms as Male Democratic District Leader in the 64th Assembly District beginning in 1982. He also served for seven years on his local community board. Born in 1955 at the old French Hospital on 30th Street in Chelsea, he was raised in Queens, and is a lifelong New Yorker. He attended Lehigh University, where he earned a degree in Urban Studies and American Studies.
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