Vermont’s Christine Hallquist won her Democratic primary on Tuesday, making her the first transgender gubernatorial nominee from a major party in U.S. history.
She will now face incumbent Republican Governor Phil Scott in November.
On to November! Thank you all for your support – this is Vermont's victory!
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— Christine Hallquist (@christine4world) August 15, 2018
Write the Daily Beast: “Hallquist is a former energy company CEO who came out as a transgender woman in 2015 after living in Vermont since 1976. If she wins the gubernatorial election in November, she will not only be the first transgender governor but only the second governor to be elected while out as LGBT. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, who took office in 2015, is bisexual. (Former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey came out as gay in August 2004 in the midst of a political scandal and resigned shortly thereafter.)”
DNC Chair Tom Perez issued the following statement:
“The DNC is proud to congratulate Christine Hallquist, Vermont’s Democratic nominee for governor and the country’s first-ever openly transgender nominee for governor, along with all of tonight’s Democratic nominees in the Green Mountain State. Christine’s historic victory tonight is an inspiration to LGBTQ people everywhere, and we are excited to stand behind her and the entire slate of fantastic Democratic nominees in Vermont. There’s no doubt that Christine and her fellow nominees will join a strong ticket this November that will fight for our values and serve as dedicated advocates for Vermont’s working families. Vermont voters know that Democrats have their backs and share their values, and they’re ready to organize to turn more seats blue this November.”
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about Hallquist’s primary win:
“Christine’s victory is a defining moment in the movement for trans equality and 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 who 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 – whose 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.
“Christine often attributes Vermonters’ accepting her gender identity to the hard work and bravery of LGBTQ pioneers who came before her – those at Stonewall, the Harvey Milks, and other courageous activists. Now, Christine is a pioneer deserving of that appreciation. Her authenticity, poise and presence on the campaign trail will undoubtedly inspire more trans people to pursue their dreams of a career in elected office, and that will inevitably change America and the world.”
