Several gay or trans folks were elected here and there. The new Governor of Colorado is an openly gay guy, and the Governor of Oregon is openly bisexual. For the most part, the elections were positive.
Some trans candidates won election to state legislative offices. The highest profile trans campaign was in Vermont. The Democratic candidate for Governor was trans woman Christine Hallquist, who defeated several other candidates to win the Democratic primary. In the general election this week, she faced a tough opponent - the incumbent Republican Governor is pretty popular in the state. Even so, Hallquist won over 40% of the vote.
Christine Hallquist was a really qualified, credible candidate - strong background and a TON of administrative ability. She was a successful executive of a rural electric utility cooperative. Christine campaigned on economic and infrastructure issues, especially those of importance to rural voters in Vermont, lots of whom have felt "left behind" by the progress the state is making.
Christine transitioned late in life, with the full support of her family. Everybody in Vermont was well aware that she was trans, but it just didn't seem to be an issue in the campaign. To his great credit, her Republican opponent campaigned against her with respect and took no cheap gender-related shots.
Though she didn't win, I think Christine Hallquist is the current "high-water mark" for trans folks in politics. In a contested primary, she won the nomination of a major political party for the highest office in her state. In the general election, she campaigned for office on a platform of good policies against a popular opponent on a pretty level playing field. Though she didn't win, she finished above 40%. I think it's only a matter of time before some highly qualified, credible trans candidate like Christine Hallquist crashes through to a top office like a state governorship.
I am really proud of Christine Hallquist.
QuoteDid Chelsey Manning get in?
Nope! Chelsea Manning was eliminated way back in the primaries. I love Chelsea Manning, but lots of folks (especially those with a military background) regard her as unfit for office due to her criminal conviction. In the real world of electoral politics, she was just an outsider, "fringe" candidate.