It’s a similar story in New York and Los Angeles. Lhota, former head of the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority, is a pro-pot, pro-gay marriage libertarian Republican. Kevin James — an openly gay former broadcaster — recently placed third in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, not advancing to the runoff between the top two candidates.

“I’m a bit of a different kind of Republican,” James told POLITICO. James cited his sexual orientation — as well as his AIDS advocacy work — as evidence that he’s an independent voice, albeit, still a Republican.

Republicans, James said, are doing good work in cities all across the country. He pointed to one particular youth center in Los Angeles, called Strive, that is run by Republicans.

“How about finding the success centers?” James said, pointing to his own record of accomplishment and engagement with the Los Angeles gay community. “Then you’re starting with a record in place.”