Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani says she is gay

The Stockton-area Democrat tells the Stockton Record she decided to come out as a lesbian to send a positive message to young people struggling with their sexuality. Her announcement brings the number of openly gay state lawmakers to eight, and makes the LGBT Caucus, formed in 2002, the country’s largest caucus recognizing openly gay legislators, Capitol Alert says.

Noted: Galgiani, who’s termed out next year, plans to run for a Senate seat in the Central Valley.