Anthony Woods, who served in Iraq until he was dismissed under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, lost to California’s lieutenant governor John Garamendi in a special primary election to succeed former Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.).

Woods, who was endorsed by The Victory Fund and HRC, is a graduate of West Point. He received a Bronze Star during two tours of duty in Iraq and a masters degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

 Garamendi  supports equal rights for gays and lesbians. In March, he said in a statement:

“As the California Supreme Court carefully evaluates today’s legal arguments, I hope they do the right thing and allow gays and lesbians to marry the person they love. All Californians, regardless of their sexual orientation, should benefit from the rights and responsibilities that are part of marriage. To deny gays and lesbians in committed loving relationships the opportunity to marry is simply wrong. This is an issue that divides our state, and well-meaning people will disagree. Nevertheless, the course of our society is toward more equality under the law, and that is a good thing. Patti and I have been married for 43 years, and we think gay and lesbian couples deserve the same access to civil marriage that we do. It is an institution that outwardly demonstrates love and commitment while strengthening family and community bonds. The eyes of history are upon us, and I am proud to stand up and be counted today.”

Garamendi will face Republican attorney David Harmer on Nov. 3 and is expected to win. Tauscher left Congress to take a position with the Obama administration as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.