New York’s first openly gay member of Congress got hitched on Saturday.
First-term Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney wed his longtime partner Randy Florke at a ceremony in Cold Spring, where they live with their three children, according to NBC News. The event at the Church of St. Mary-in-the-Highlands was attended by about 250 people.
“Even after 22 years together, we’re overwhelmed by how blessed we feel to celebrate this special day with our friends and family,” the couple said in a statement, as quoted by NBC News. They added that they hope “all families can experience the joys of a lifetime of commitment.”
Maloney is the second openly gay member of Congress to be married while in office — former Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) was the first in 2012.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) congratulated the couple on Twitter.
Congratulations @RepSeanMaloney on your wedding today in beautiful #ColdSpring, #NY! Wishing you and Randy a lifetime of happiness!
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) June 22, 2014
My best wishes to @RepSeanMaloney and @RandyFlorke on your wedding today in Cold Spring, NY. Congratulations!
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 21, 2014
Makes me proud to be a New Yorker.
I’m surprised Andrew Cuomo wasn’t best man, as he and Maloney are so similar politically.
Good for them!
I look forward to a time when this is so ordinary that it isn’t considered news.
Congratulations I hope they enjoy a wonderful life together. I have two very very good dear friends who have been together for 30 years and were married here in California a few years back. They are so devoted to each other.
Mazel tov!