Anthony Nicodemo, considered the first openly gay high school coach in the New York metro area, has announced his run for State Assembly, Lohud reports.

Nicodemo, head boys’ basketball coach and a social studies teacher at Saunders Trades and Technical High School in Yonkers, is running as a Democrat for Shelly Mayer's vacated seat in the 90th District, which includes most of Yonkers.

"I've been representing Yonkers for years, and the City of Yonkers has been so supportive of my endeavors and what I've done," Nicodemo says. "Shelly Mayer did such a great job of representing Yonkers and our kids, and who I thought can do a better job of replacing her than me?"

As listed on Nicodemo's website, his political focuses include education, gun reform, union labor, and LGBT rights.

“It seems that human rights are attacked on a daily basis in our country,” he says in a campaign video. “Marginalized communities need an elevated voice in our society. No one should be discriminated against for being themselves. I plan on listening to these folks and helping create a better culture for everyone.”

Nicodemo was one of two coaches suspended earlier this year after organizing a charity basketball game to benefit their local chapter of GLSEN. New York’s Section One Athletic Council insisted they failed to file proper paperwork to sanction the fundraiser, at which former Brooklyn Net Jason Collins spoke about being gay in the NBA.

“[It] was a pioneering event,” Nicodemo told Outsports. “It was special for everyone involved.”

“This event," tweeted Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, "allowed student athletes to support inclusion and diversity, which is what the city of Yonkers is about. My hope is that Section One reconsiders their position and a coach is not admonished over a technicality.”