Ed Murray

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Edward B. Murray (born May 2, 1955) is an American politician from Washington state, currently serving in the Washington State House of Representatives. In January 2007, he will be sworn in as a member of the Washington State Senate.

A Democrat, Murray was appointed to fill one of the vacant 43rd District seats in the House in October 1995 and has been re-elected biennially ever since. The 43rd district, covering parts of Seattle, is very liberal and reliably Democratic. He currently serves as Chair of the House Transportation Committee.

In 2006, he announced his intention to challenge Sen. Pat Thibaudeau for the 43rd District seat in the State Senate. In May 2006, Thibaudeau dropped out of her race for re-election and Murray was elected to the Senate with little opposition.

Murray is currently one of four openly gay members of the Washington State Legislature. He lives with his partner, Michael Shiosaki. His election to the Senate, like many of his previous campaigns, has won the backing of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.