Gay Candidate’s Campaign Signs Defaced

Jesse Walters, a candidate for the Miami Shores council in Florida, reported that his campaign signs were defaced with antigay messages over the weekend.

According to NBC Miami, Walters believes that the hate vandalism was sparked by the distribution of campaign mail that included a photo of his partner of 23 years and their 15-month-old daughter.

"Initially it was very unsettling, you know it was kinda like if you've ever had your house broken into, you feel violated and you feel threatened, but the outpouring [of support] today has just been so wonderful," said Walters, NBC Miami reported. "I've had phone calls, e-mails, even the other candidates made a point of either finding me today or calling me, which was really heartwarming."

No suspects have been identified yet by police. If Walters is elected Tuesday, he would become the fourth openly gay elected official in Miami-Dade County.