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Michigan nominates first trans woman for state legislature

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Published 5 Aug 2026, 16:592 min read

Michigan nominates first trans woman for state legislature — image supplied by The Guardian US's feed — Image supplied with the original post by The Guardian US. The Guardian US

Joanna Whaley, ex-megachurch pastor who endured years of conversion practices, comfortably bested her opponents

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A former megachurch pastor who endured 15 years of conversion practices is set to become the first transgender member of Michigan’s state legislature after winning a Democratic primary election on Tuesday.

Joanna Whaley comfortably defeated Frank Liberati, a former state representative, and Gary Schlack in the primary for the second district of the Michigan statehouse, a Democratic stronghold.