Christine Hallquist is the Democratic nominee for governor in Vermont
Hallquist is first transgender person to be a gubernatorial nominee of a major U.S. political party. Vermont selected out transgender woman Christine Hallquist. She is the first out and transgender person to be the gubernatorial nominee of a major American political party. She joins three other openly LGBT candidates who received the Democratic nomination for governor this cycle. Kate Brown won the nomination in Oregon. Jared Polis was selected in Colorado. And Lupe Valdez of Texas will also appear on the ballot as an LGBT candidate this fall. This is a historic number.
In Vermont, Hallquist bested four primary opponents. She had a strong campaign organization and robust ground game while running on her extensive experience as CEO of a Vermont electric utility company. Hallquist had already made history as the first CEO of a major corporation to transition on the job. In the fall she may become the first openly trans person to serve as governor of a U.S. state. She will be the second openly LGBT person ever elected governor, if she wins in November.
Hallquist’s business experience and progressive vision means she’s perfectly-positioned to take on Governor Scott
“Christine’s victory is a defining moment in the movement for trans equality,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “This is especially remarkable given how few out trans elected officials there are at any level of government. Many thought it unthinkable a viable trans gubernatorial candidate like Christine would emerge so soon. Yet Vermont voters chose Christine not because of her gender identity, but because she is an open and authentic candidate with a long history of service to the state. And Christine speaks to the issues most important to voters.
“Christine’s business experience and progressive vision for Vermont means she’s perfectly-positioned to take on Governor Scott. His approval numbers continue to plunge because of his inability to manage the state government and his failed attempts to hide his conservative policy positions. When voters head to the polls this November, we are confident Vermonters will make her the first openly trans governor in the nation and just the second openly LGBTQ person elected governor in American history.”
Currently, 13 openly transgender people are serving in elected office in the United States. The Victory Fund has endorsed seven in this election cycle. With a win in November, Christine will be the highest-ranking openly trans elected official in the U.S.
