Giona Picheco

Giona is a transgender woman, Navy veteran, sociology teacher, and community advocate. She became involved in political advocacy after serving on active duty when the discriminatory ban was enacted against transgender people serving openly in the military. She then decided to take the call to service further by engaging with the legislative and electoral processes directly to push back against divisive and unjust policies.

She has since worked tirelessly to elect Democrats to local, state, and federal office, advocated to protect and expand LGBTQ+ rights, and worked towards passing legislation to benefit the residents in her state. She is running for State Representative to champion Democratic values like common sense gun safety, investments in local services, and economic opportunities to improve the quality of life for people across her community. Giona will be the first transgender person elected to office in the State of Rhode Island.