Anthony Woods

Anthony “Tony” Christopher Woods (born July 20, 1980) is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, who was discharged from the United States Army in 2008 for violating the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. In 2009, Woods ran for U.S. Congress in California's 10th congressional district to fill a vacant seat, in a bid to become the first openly-gay African American in Congress. He placed 4th, receiving 8% of a special election vote on September 1, 2009 behind John Garamendi, Mark DeSaulnier, and Joan Buchanan. He was part of the 2011-2012 Class of White House Fellows.

Early life

Born on July 20, 1980 at Travis Air Force Base in the 10th Congressional District, Woods was raised by a single mother who supported her family as a small business owner and housekeeper. As a child, Woods lived in both Fairfield and Vacaville in the East Bay region of California. He graduated with honors from Vanden High School in 1999. Woods attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after graduation, having received a nomination from Congressman Vic Fazio (D CA-3).