Today LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Stephanie Byers won her primary for a Kansas state House seat and is on-track to become the first out trans person ever elected to public office in Kansas. Byers was unopposed in the primary and her Democratic-leaning district makes her the favorite to win the general election in November.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about Byers’ victory:
“Stephanie has shattered a long-standing political barrier in Kansas and is poised to join a small but growing number of out trans state legislators across the country. At a time when trans people are targeted with hateful policies and legislation by the Trump administration and in so many state legislatures, Stephanie’s race is a powerful reminder of where our country is headed. Stephanie’s victory, like every victory for a trans candidate, will inspire more trans leaders to run for office in their communities and that will be transformative.”
Only four out trans people have been elected to serve in state legislatures and all still hold their seats. Virginia Delegate Danica Roem became the first out trans person to win and serve in a state legislature when she was elected in 2017. Currently there are just 26 out trans people serving at any level of government in the United States.
Only two openly LGBTQ people have ever been elected to the Kansas state legislature – Representatives Susan Ruiz and Brandon Woodard. There are currently just 11 openly LGBTQ elected officials in the entire state.
More information about Victory Fund and its candidates is available on its website at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
