Key facts
- Joanna Whaley won the Democratic primary for Michigan's second state legislative district.
- Whaley is a transgender woman and former megachurch pastor.
- She defeated former state representative Frank Liberati in the primary.
- Whaley will be the first transgender member of Michigan's state legislature if she wins the general election.
- Whaley previously endured 15 years of conversion therapy.
Joanna Whaley, a transgender woman and former megachurch pastor, has won the Democratic primary election for Michigan's second state legislative district, positioning her to become the first transgender member of the state legislature. Whaley, who endured 15 years of conversion therapy, defeated former state representative Frank Liberati and Gary Schlack. Liberati had previously attempted to have Whaley disqualified from the ballot due to her name change, but the challenge was dismissed. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of the U.S. Congress, celebrated Whaley's victory, highlighting her opponent's negative campaign tactics and Whaley's focus on her economic agenda. Whaley, 38, previously served as a pastor for two decades before transitioning and working as a hospital chaplain. She has spoken about the unusual and sometimes uncomfortable conversations she has with potential donors and old Christian acquaintances. Whaley has received endorsements from various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and will face Republican Ronald Kokinda in the general election on November 3.