DANBURY, Conn.—Connecticut state Rep. Jason Bartlett publicly announced that he is gay last week.

Bartlett, a Democrat who represents Bethel, Danbury and Redding, says he has been frank about his sexual orientation with relatives and now is the time to speak out.

The 41-year-old legislator, who is also black, says while he’s always tried to keep his personal life private, there have been rumors about his sexual orientation.

Bartlett, who is up for re-election in November, says whether being openly gay will have an effect during the election is a bridge he’ll cross when he comes to it.