| Will 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 P Fitzpatrick 1961 Ireland |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | California |
William P "Will" Fitzpatrick (born 1961) is an Irish-born retired American politician. A Democrat, he served from 1993-97 in the Rhode Island Senate.
Born and raised in Ireland, he was educated by the Roman Catholic 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.
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.
Personal life
Fitzpatrick resides in California.
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.