Transgender Democrat Running for Congress in Minnesota

[Amelia Pond]

Transgender Democrat Running for Congress in Minnesota
Jim Geraghty, August 12, 2013 8:39 AM

http://www.nationalreview.com/campaign-spot/355508/transgender-democrat-running-congress-minnesota-jim-geraghty

The 2014 race for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District — targeted by national Democrats as one they believe they can win — is about to become more crowded and more interesting.

Paula Overby, who is a 59-year-old quality assurance analyst from Eagan, says she has nearly enough signatures on a petition to get on next year's Democratic primary ballot to compete for the congressional seat.

Overby, born a man who now identifies as a woman, believes she will be the first openly transgendered person from Minnesota to run for Congress.

[Amelia Pond]

Eagan woman doesn't want gender identity to define impending run for Congress
Christopher Magan, 08/11/2013 12:01:00 AM CDT

http://www.twincities.com/dakotacounty/ci_23841229/eagan-candidate-congress-doesnt-want-her-gender-identity

Overby, born a man who now identifies as a woman, believes she will be the first openly transgendered person from Minnesota to run for Congress...

Overby acknowledged that her gender identity may be a polarizing issue for some voters, but she doesn't want it to define her candidacy. She also believes it may help her reach residents who typically don't vote.

"There is a significant level of prejudice that exists against transgendered people," Overby said. "Some people will see this as a mark of enormous courage. There are other people who won't vote for me because of it."

Overby says she'll focus her candidacy on reforming what she believes is a broken campaign finance system that empowers corporations and the rich.