Putnam County Congressman Announces Engagement To Longtime Partner
COLD SPRING, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Hudson Valley Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) announced plans to marry his longtime partner Randy Florke.
The couple announced their intention to marry in a statement issued Monday.
"After 21 years together, we are excited for the next step in our journey as a family," the statement read. "For decades, we've fought to ensure that all families can experience the joys of loving commitment and we are proud to have our friends and family share this special moment with us in the near future."
The freshman congressman will be the second member of Congress married to a same-sex partner. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., is also married. Former Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., became the first sitting member of Congress to marry his partner in 2012.
Maloney and Florke have three adopted children. They live in Cold Spring in Putnam County.
They got engaged on Christmas Day, according to reports. Their youngest daughter wrote a letter to Santa asking for her fathers to get married.
Florke popped the question days after Essie wrote the letter, according to reports. They have not announced when they will tie the knot.
Maloney served as a senior adviser to President Bill Clinton. He created a tech start-up before re-entering politics to serve as senior staff for New York Govs. Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson.
Maloney represents the 18th congressional district, about 50 miles north of New York City. It's a competitive seat Republicans expect to contest in 2014.
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