The ongoing primaries in different states of the United States are turning out to be quite a cracker of an election. A few days ago, Michigan made history with its first Muslim candidate being elected to the Congress and now Vermont's Christine Hallquist has defeated three Democrats to become the first transgender candidate as governor nominee of the party.
"Tonight, we made history," Hallquist said, addressing her supporters at an election night party in Burlington, reported the New York Times. "I am so proud to be the face of the Democrats tonight."
She also said that Vermont was going to elect her "on the platform" and "not because of the fact that I'm transgender –that the reality."
Who is Christine Hallquist?
- Hallquist is the former CEO of Vermont Electric Cooperative, where she spent 13 years speaking of and raising awareness about climate change.
- She is 62 years old and married with three children. She also has two grandchildren and lives in Hyde Park.
- Hallquist has also served as school board member and moderator of the town.
- Earlier known as David, she transitioned as a woman in December 2015, according to the Burlington Free Press and has said that Vermont was a place that always made me feel welcomed and at home.
- Speaking to Guardian, Hallquist said that transitioning to live as a woman was the toughest thing she has ever done. "In fact, I think after transitioning everything else looks pretty easy," she added.
- Her transition was documented by her son Derek in the film "Denial."
- The 62-year-old also said that she stepped foot into politics after the election of Donald Trump as president in 2016. She said that like many, she went through a "political depression at the time."
- "November 8, 2016, I realized the world changed," Hallquist explained. Recalling the "trauma" she added: "I just didn't know what to do. I mean, many of us in this country shed a lot of tears for what happened on November 8."
- Hallquist is supported by The Victory Fund, a political action committee that backs LGBTQ candidates in the US and she has often been called a "game changer."
- Hallquist is now expected to face incumbent Republican Phil Scott in the race for the post of Vermont governor in November.
Another candidate who made huge buzz last week was Tlaib, after narrowly defeating Brenda Jones, Detroit's City council president.
Tlaib will run unopposed in November succeeding longtime representative John Conyers, who stepped down in December citing health issues. The 89-year-old's resignation came amid sexual harassment allegations against him.
After the results were in her favour early August 8 morning, Tlaib spoke to her supporters and said that one doesn't need to change who they are to contest an election. "I want people across the country to know that you don't need to sell out," the New York Times quoted her as saying. "You don't have to change who you are to run for office – and that is what this country is about."
