Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones to become the very first openly gay Afro-Latino and Black elected congressmen

Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones made history for the LGBT+ community in the 2020 US elections.

The New York Democrats are officially the first openly gay Afro-Latino and Black politicians elected to congress respectively.

Following tonight's vote (November 3), results show that the Democrat will replace José Serrano in New York's 15th District, the New York Times reports.

Taking to Twitter after the results were announced, Torres told his 39,000+ followers: "Tonight, a new era begins for the South Bronx."

Torres' added: "It's the honor of a lifetime to represent a borough filled with essential workers who risked their lives so that New York City could live.

"My pledge to the district is simple: I will fight for you. The Bronx is my home, it is what made me who I am, and it is what I will fight for in Congress.

"I thank the voters of the South Bronx from the bottom of my heart for the trust they put in me to represent them."

Ritchie was first elected to the New York City Council seven years ago. He was the first openly gay Black elected official from the Bronx.

Before winning tonight's vote, he had to go head-to-head with fellow New York City Council member Rubén Díaz Sr.

According to the New York Times, Rubén has previously described gay people as "cursed" and compared them to "drug addicts".

He also publicly opposed the Gay Games being held in New York, claiming it would result in people being "infected with AIDS". In addition, Rubén warned against teaching children and adults "that homosexuality is O.K" as it is "immoral" and "sinful".

Following his win in June’s congressional primary, Ritchie spoke to CBS about the significance of beating Rubén in a democratic vote.

He said: "Look, the triumph of an openly LGBTQ congressional candidate over a leading homophobic in state politics, that to me represents long overdue poetic justice.

"What better way to celebrate pride month than to defeat the politics of homophobia?"

And prior to tonight's victory, Jones worked under former President Barack Obama in the US Department of Justice.

This evening, he won the race in New York’s 17th congressional district, beating Republican Maureen McArdle Schulman.

Earlier this year, Mondaire gave an interview to the New York Times about voters' increasingly progressive values.

He said: "Growing up poor, Black, and gay, I never imagined someone like me could run for Congress, let alone win.

"Indeed, in the 244-year history of the United States, there has never been an openly gay, Black member of Congress. That changes this year."

Previously, there were just nine openly LGBTQ members of Congress.

Mark Takano became the first openly gay person of color in Congress in 2012. Six years later, Sharice Davids made history by becoming the first openly gay woman of color in Congress.

Following Torres and Jones' wins, there are now 11 openly LGBTQ members of Congress.

Commenting on the duo's incredible victory, Annise Parker of the GBTQ Victory Fund spoke to Pink News.

She said: "Mondaire and Ritchie have shattered a rainbow ceiling and will bring unique perspectives based on lived experiences never before represented in the US Congress.

"As our nation grapples with racism, police brutality and a pandemic that disproportionally affects people of color and LGBTQ people, these are the voices that can pull us from the brink and toward a more united and fair society.

"Their elections will end any doubts about the electability of Black LGBTQ men to our nation’s highest legislative body. It will also inspire more young LGBTQ leaders and leaders of color to run and serve."