Last night Victory Fund-endorsed candidate Susan Allen won a special election for a seat in the Minnesota State House, making her the first openly lesbian Native American to be elected to a state legislature.
Allen will represent District 61B in south central Minneapolis, where almost half the children live in poverty. “It reminds me of a lot of the places I grew up. It’s 62 percent minority,” Allen told Minnesota Public Radio.
Allen’s opponent in the special election, Nathan Blumenshine, lauded her in conceding defeat. “Her personal story is a powerful one, and I can’t think of a stronger leader to serve as the voice of this community,” Blumenshine said.
“We’re thrilled for Susan and the remarkable progress her victory represents,” said Tiffany Muller, Victory Fund’s vice president for political operations. “This is our first win of 2012, and it’s a fantastic way to start off what will be a very exciting year for LGBT candidates.”
