Joanna Whaley Wins Democratic Primary, Poised to Become Michigan’s First Transgender State Representative

Joanna Whaley captured the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 2nd House district, defeating former state representative Frank Liberati and Gary Schlack. Whaley earned roughly 56 % of the vote, while Liberati received about 34 % and Schlack around 9 %. The win positions her to become the state’s first openly transgender legislator if she prevails in the November 3 general election.

The AdvocateDetroit Free PressThe Guardian

District 2, encompassing parts of Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale and Southgate, has long been a Democratic stronghold. The seat is currently held by Tullio Liberati, brother of former representative Frank Liberati. Earlier in the year, Frank Liberati filed a legal challenge to disqualify Whaley on the basis of her name change; the Wayne County clerk’s office dismissed the complaint, finding her candidate affidavit proper.

The Advocate

• Primary vote totals: approximately 6,500 for Whaley, 3,900 for Liberati and 1,000 for Schlack.

The Advocate

• Vote share: Whaley 56 %, Liberati 34 %, Schlack 9 %.

The Advocate

• District 2’s partisan lean: consistently Democratic in recent election cycles.

Detroit Free Press

She linked her experience as a clinical chaplain to a capacity for calm, solution-focused leadership.

Detroit Free Press

U.S.

The Guardian

• “Some of those conversations go weird. We have a semi-pro hockey team in the area, and I was sitting down with one of the directors. In the middle of the conversation, he says, ‘So do you have a brother? I went to high school with someone named blah blah blah,’ and they said my dead name. I’m like, ‘That’s me.’ And they’re like, ‘Whoa, what?’” — John James Joanna Whaley

The Guardian

Whaley will face Republican nominee Ronald Kokinda in the November 3 general election, seeking to replace Tullio Liberati in the statehouse. The contest will determine whether Michigan adds its first transgender member to the legislature.

The Advocate