Joanna Whaley

Joanna Whaley defeated Frank Liberati in a Democratic primary election. She is now running for a state representative seat in Downriver, where she could make history by becoming the first openly trans woman to win such an office.

Joanna Whaley, a chaplain, may become the first trans person elected to the Michigan legislature. She is favored to win the heavily Democratic district in November.

Joanna Whaley, a trans woman and former megachurch pastor who endured conversion practices, won a Democratic primary for Michigan's state legislature, defeating Frank Liberati and Gary Schlack in the second district. The district is a Democratic stronghold, and Whaley is set to become the first transgender member of the Michigan statehouse.

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters endorsed Haley Stevens for the Democratic nomination in the U.S. Senate race, prompting endorsements from figures like Jim Clyburn and Abdul El-Sayed. Other candidates, including Matt Maasdam, Jocelyn Benson, and Joanna Whaley, received endorsements from various organizations and individuals ahead of Michigan's August 4 primary.

The article outlines recent political endorsements in Michigan for various races, including U.S. Senate candidates Mallory McMorrow, Haley Stevens, and Abdul El-Sayed, who received support from major media outlets, labor unions, and advocacy groups. Endorsements are also detailed for congressional candidates, gubernatorial hopeful Chris Swanson, and state legislative and attorney general races.

The article highlights various political endorsements in Michigan, including support for Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow in the U.S. Senate race, and endorsements for candidates in congressional and state legislative races from groups like Moms Demand Action, Teamsters Local 299, and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.