Cal Anderson

Cal Anderson
1965 high school yearbook photo
Member of the Washington Senate from the 43rd district
In office January 9, 1995[1] – August 4, 1995
Preceded by	Janice Niemi
Succeeded by	Pat Thibaudeau
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 1st Position of the 43rd[1] district
In office November 9, 1987[2] – January 9, 1995
Preceded by	Janice Niemi
Succeeded by	Pat Thibaudeau
Personal details
Born	Calvin Bruce Anderson (1948-05-02)May 2, 1948 Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Died	August 4, 1995(1995-08-04) (aged 47) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Domestic partner	Eric Ishino
Military service
Branch/service	United States Army
Unit	23rd Infantry Division
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Bronze Stars (2)

Calvin Bruce Anderson (May 2, 1948 – August 4, 1995) was an American military officer and politician who served as a member of the Washington State Senate, representing the 43rd district in 1995. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995, and was the first openly gay member of the Washington State Legislature.

Anderson was born in Seattle, Washington, and educated at Foster High School. He became involved in politics at a young age working for his father's city council campaign and Warren Magnuson's Senate campaign. Following high school he joined the United States Army and worked as a court reporter for the 23rd Infantry Division. He came out as gay to his parents during his time in the military.

He worked for multiple Seattle city officials and held positions in the Young Democrats and Washington State Democratic Party. In 1987, he was selected to fill Representative Janice Niemi's vacant seat in the state house and during his tenure he faced homophobic attacks from a member of the state legislature and in the Democratic primary. Anderson briefly served in the state senate, where he was Assistant Majority Whip, until his death from AIDS in 1995. His memorial was attended by thousands and a park in Seattle was later named after him.