Joanna Whaley secured the Democratic Party’s nomination for Michigan’s state house second district following a primary election held on Tuesday. Whaley defeated two opponents, including Frank Liberati, a former state representative, by a significant margin in what party officials describe as a Democratic stronghold district.
Earlier in the election cycle, Liberati had challenged Whaley’s ballot eligibility based on her name change. The Wayne County Clerk’s Office rejected the challenge, determining that Whaley’s candidate affidavit met legal requirements. Should Whaley prevail in the general election scheduled for 3 November, she would become the first transgender member of Michigan’s state legislature. Whaley, 38, previously served as a pastor at an evangelical megachurch for approximately two decades before transitioning to work at a progressive church, in hospital chaplaincy positions, and in digital media.
Whaley has received endorsements from several advocacy organizations focused on LGBTQ rights and progressive candidates. Federal legislator Sarah McBride, who holds the distinction of being the first openly transgender member of the U.S. Congress, publicly expressed support for Whaley’s campaign via social media platform X.
In the general election, Whaley will face Republican Ronald Kokinda. The seat was previously held by Tullio Liberati, a relative of her primary opponent. Whaley has discussed the experience of running as a historic candidacy, noting that interactions with voters often touch on her background and significance as a transgender candidate seeking state office.
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