Chris Anderson will be running for District 7 City Council next year. The seat he seeks is held by Manuel Rico.

Campaign staff for Chris Anderson for City Council announced this morning that Anderson, who is running for City Council District 7, is openly gay.

Joda Thongnopnua, campaign coordinator, said Anderson has been with his partner for almost 10 years.

"Chris is the only openly gay candidate right now running in Tennessee," Thongnopnua said.

He said Anderson feels the city is diverse and it has had no effect on the race at this point.

Anderson is running against Manny Rico.

For more information, read tomorrow's edition of the Times Free Press.