Cedric McMinn could become Florida's first openly gay African American lawmaker, if he is successful in his bid against former state Rep. James Bush III on Tuesday, August 28, in the race for the 109th House District.

Whoever wins the Democratic primary should go on to fill the seat, being vacated by Rep. Cynthia Stafford who cannot run again due to term limits, as they will run unopposed in the general election in November. Stafford has endorsed McMinn, who has far out-fundraised his opponent.

McMinn has served as a former executive director of the local Democratic Party, the chief of staff to a school board member, and as an outreach director for the Barack Obama and Charlie Crist campaigns.

His own campaign is not leaning heavily on his identity as a gay black man, or even the history that he would make if elected, instead focusing on the issues of strengthening public education, bringing jobs that pay a living wage to the area, and fighting to end human trafficking and homelessness, all issues highlighted on his website's homepage.

"Our campaign will focus on strengthening our public education system, advocating for good paying jobs and sustainable businesses, and working hard with stakeholders for safer and cleaner neighborhoods to live, work, and play. We believe in the 'E'ssentials of Education, Economic Development, Ending crime/gun violence, Equity/Equal access and Empowerment to address the needs of Real People and Real Issues," his Facebook page's about section reads.

"The fact that he’s going out as an openly gay candidate, it’s exciting,” Tony Lima, executive director of the Miami-based LGBTQ organization SAVE, told the Miami Herald. “It could be risky.”

McMinn, however, seems to feel the concern is overblown, telling the paper he hasn't experienced push-back over his sexual orientation so far during his run for the seat, which represents Miami Gardens, and runs south through Overtown. His opponent has not made it an issue, either.

“I think it’s a very small minority that thinks like that,” McMinn said of homophobia. “I don’t hear that from my community.”

"People want to put us in labels and boxes, but voters want somebody focusing on the issues in our community that matter," he added.

"LGBTQ candidates of color face challenges the majority of candidates do not–racism, homophobia, sexism. But Cedric is successfully navigating all of that by speaking with voters about the issues that matter most to his constituents, such as creating economic opportunities for working families and ending gun violence," Sean Meloy, Senior Political Director for LGBTQ Victory Fund, which has endorsed him, told NewNowNext.

"Cedric will be a historic first when he wins in November and his presence will affect many of the policy conversations that take place in Tallahassee. That is critical given Florida’s continued failure to provide protections for its LGBTQ residents."

According to Equality Florida, 11 openly LGBTQ candidates are running for state office this year. In 2016, Carlos Guillermo-Smith became the first openly gay Latino lawmaker in the state.