He is the first openly gay African American elected to a statewide office in the United States.

Russell grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, where his parents owned a convenience store and deli.

[7] He defeated Dita Bhargava and Karen DuBois-Walton in the Democratic Party primary election in August, receiving 58 percent of the vote.

[8] In the November general election, Russell faced state representative Harry Arora, the Republican Party nominee.

[9] Russell became the first openly gay African American elected to a statewide office in the United States.