Position Sought
Michigan House of Representatives, District 2
Party Affiliation
Democrat
Location
Michigan
Date of Primary Election
August 4, 2026
Primary Election Donation Limit
1225
Date of General Election
November 3, 2026
General Election Donation Limit
1225
Race/Ethnicity
White/Caucasian
Gender Identity
Transgender Woman
Sexual Orientation
Bisexual
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Connect with Joanna Whaley
Joanna will be the first Trans woman elected to the state legislature!
Biography
Joanna Whaley is a transgender woman who survived 15 years of conversion therapy in a high-control religious setting. Her past equipped her with a deep understanding of the origins of many dehumanizing policies currently impacting our government. Whaley firmly believes that Michigan is for everyone and that Downriver citizens are committed to mutual care, ready to unite for justice. She’s seen the community consistently rise to challenges, showing collective leadership. Whaley stresses the importance of fostering unity, working to ensure that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are truly accessible to every neighbor. She’s dedicated to championing these ideals and building a brighter future for all.