35 votes send Craig Lowe to mayor's office

City Commissioner Craig Lowe became north Florida's first openly gay mayor after a special runoff election against opponent Don Marsh in Gainsville, Florida. Lowe won the election by 35 votes, less than 1% required to avoid recount under Florida law.

Lowe, a former educator, was awarded Human Rights Activist of the Year in 1998 Human Rights Council of North Central Florida for his work on equality initiatives in the city.