A Transgender Woman Just Became the First Trans Person Ever Nominated for Governor

This week, Christine Hallquist, a former utility executive from Vermont, made election history.

Hallquist won the Democratic Governor's primary in Vermont, becoming the first Transgender person ever nominated for governorship by a major party. She beat three other candidates to represent the Vermont Democrats in the upcoming election.

Annise Parker, the chief executive of the L.G.B.T.Q. Victory Fund, told the New York Times "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.”

Hallquist plans to make energy and infrastructure large-ticket items in her upcoming campaign, while also advocating for women's equality and LGBTQ rights. She will be running against Republican incumbent Phil Scott, a popular governor who's viewed favorably by 50% of Democrats.

And while Christine is not favored to win, her impact on the face of politics is undeniable. 

"“Even if she doesn’t get elected governor, the greatest contribution of her campaign could be to raise awareness about the issues transgender people face," Eric Davis, an emeritus professor at Vermont’s Middlebury College, told the Times. 

This is one woman who's really changing the world for women around her, even if it's hard. Let's write that in our history books.