Last night marked a historic moment for transgender representation in American politics, with several groundbreaking victories across the country.
Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, made history by becoming the first out transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress. McBride was elected by 58% of the vote in Delaware. She previously served in the Delaware state senate.
GLAAD President and CEO said, “The election of Sarah McBride is groundbreaking for the transgender community and our entire country, and it is no surprise. Sarah is a spectacular public servant who works her heart out to improve people’s lives. Sarah’s win is a victory for transgender visibility, and should serve as a reminder that trans people should of course be free to be themselves and contribute their talents. Her voice and presence will ensure that Congress better represents the best of America. Congratulations to Sarah and to her constituents on this historic milestone that will accelerate acceptance for all transgender people.”
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In Montana, state Representative Zooey Zephyr, the first openly transgender lawmaker in the state, won her bid for reelection. In 2023, Republican legislators voted to prohibit Zephyr from speaking on the state legislature floor after she stated that the conservative-backed prohibition on gender-affirming care for young people would lead to “blood on [their] hands.” Republican lawmakers called for an apology, which Zephyr said she would not provide, as she believed no apology was warranted.
It is an honor to have been re-elected to the Montana House of Representatives.
And I promise to do as I have always done: fight for my constituents, stand up against those who seek to break democracy, and be a bulwark against the rising tide of American fascism. pic.twitter.com/N1nFwtntpe
— Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) November 6, 2024
In Chicago, Current Water Reclamation District Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis won the special general election for an unexpired two-year term. Brady-Davis is the first out Black trans woman elected in Cook County. In a social media post she said, “Over the next two years, I’ll fight to protect Lake Michigan, champion environmental justice, uplift marginalized communities, and amplify voices too long ignored.”
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Aime Wichtendahl will become Iowa’s first transgender state lawmaker after voters in Iowa House District 80, which covers northern portions of Cedar Rapids up through Hiawatha and Robins, elected the Democrat to fill an open seat.
Brianna Titone, the first openly transgender state legislator elected in Colorado and the 4th elected in the United States, won reelection to District 27. The incumbent assumed office on January 4, 2019.
In Kentucky, challenger Emma Curtis beat the incumbent in a hotly contested race to represent Lexington 4th Council District. She is the first out transgender person to be elected to a city office in the state.
Wick Thomas, who just won their election as Missouri State Representative for the state’s House District 19, is the first out nonbinary person elected to the Missouri legislature.
