RENO, Nev. — A transgender woman seeking a seat in the Nevada state Assembly won her Republican primary this week, and if elected in November, could become the nation’s first openly transgender state legislator.
Lauren Scott, co-founder and executive director of Equality Nevada, won the GOP nomination to represent Nevada’s 30th District, which includes Sparks, Nev., and parts of Reno, to challenge Democratic incumbent Michael Sprinkle.
Formerly a Democrat, Scott registered as a Republican for the first time in 2011, and said that as a Republican she can more effectively work to overcome the gridlock in Carson City.
Scott was an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force for nearly seven years, and was awarded two Achievement Medals and a Commendation Medal for her service during Operation Desert Storm. She received an honorable discharge in 1994.
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If elected in November, Scott could become the first openly transgender state lawmaker, but she’s not the only transgender candidate who could earn that distinction this year. Dana Beyer, the executive director of Gender Rights Maryland, who is challenging Maryland state Sen. Richard Madaleno for a seat in that state’s Assembly.
Openly transgender candidate Stacie Laughton won her election in New Hampshire in 2012, but resigned before taking office.
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