Andrea Jenkins is first openly trans Black woman elected to public office
On Tuesday, Andrea Jenkins made history as the first openly transgender African-American woman to be elected to office in the United States.
On Tuesday, Andrea Jenkins made history as the first openly transgender African-American woman to be elected to office in the United States.
Jenkins won her seat on the Minneapolis City Council after carrying 73 percent of Minneapolis’ Eight Ward, winning out over three other candidates. Voters were impressed by her campaign, in which she pushed for better, more affordable housing as well as fair policing and a higher minimum wage.
“As an African American trans-identified woman, I know firsthand the feeling of being marginalized, left out, thrown under the bus. Those days are over. We don’t just want a seat at the table, we want to set the table,” Jenkins said in her victory speech, according to KMSP.
On Tuesday, Danica Roem also made history after Virginia elected her as the first openly transgender person to serve in the state House of Delegates. She replaced Republican incumbent Del. Bob Marshall.
