Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund candidate Michael Góngora has won the runoff election for the Group 3 seat on the Miami Beach city council.  Gongora’s victory marks the Victory Fund’s 50th win of 79 endorsed candidates in 2009.

Góngora originally won a special election in 2006 before losing reelection in 2007, but will now return to the council after an overwhelming victory last night.

The Miami Herald reports on Góngora’s big win:

Góngora remained far ahead of opponent Gabrielle Redfern throughout the night in the race to claim the commission Group 3 seat.  “I feel grateful and vindicated that the voters of Miami Beach came out and sent such a strong message that they wanted me back in office,” he said Tuesday night.

Five Victory-backed candidates still face runoff elections in the coming weeks.  Find out more about these upcoming elections under “Races to Watch” on the Victory Fund homepage.