Ashley Brundage, a transgender woman running for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives, hopes to become the first trans woman elected to public office in the state. She credits Gov. Ron DeSantis for inspiring her political journey, despite his anti-LGBTQ stance. Brundage is one of 18 transgender candidates running for state legislatures this election cycle, motivated by the wave of anti-LGBTQ bills proposed and passed by state lawmakers. At least seven transgender candidates spoke with NBC News about their goals if elected, ranging from affordable housing to climate change.
Trans candidates continue to rise in prominence since Danica Roem’s historic win in 2017, with at least eight transgender lawmakers currently in state legislatures. Many candidates, like Lisa Middleton and Veronica Pejril, have deep experience in local government and a variety of policy priorities beyond LGBTQ issues. While transphobia can manifest on the campaign trail, candidates like Wick Thomas and Kim Coco Iwamoto remain resilient in the face of hate.
Despite challenges, trans candidates remain committed to their political ambitions and fight for their communities. Many, like Nathan Bruemmer and Brundage, emphasize issues such as property insurance and homelessness, showing that while being transgender is a significant aspect of their identity, their campaigns are ultimately about addressing a range of important issues. With the growing presence of trans candidates in state legislatures, they hope to represent their communities and address pressing societal concerns.
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