LGBTQ Women Make History as Firsts in 119th Congress: Sarah McBride, Emily Randall, and Julie Johnson

Three LGBTQ women made history when they were sworn into the 119th Congress on Friday, marking a significant milestone for representation. Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware became the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, Rep. Emily Randall of Washington became the first out queer Latina, and Rep. Julie Johnson of Texas made history as the first out LGBTQ person from the South elected to Congress.

These trailblazing women are part of a broader wave of LGBTQ candidates who ran for and won elected office in November. There are now 13 openly LGBTQ elected officials serving in Congress—12 in the House and Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin in the Senate.

Rep. Sarah McBride has long been a history-maker. Before her election to Congress, McBride served two terms as a Delaware state senator, becoming the first openly trans state senator in the U.S. She also made history in 2016 as the first trans person to speak at a major political convention and interned at the White House in 2012, becoming the first out trans woman to do so. Excited for her new role, McBride shared her anticipation on Instagram as she headed to Washington with her family.

Rep. Emily Randall entered politics after the election of President Donald Trump in 2016, motivated to fight for the causes she cared about, including expanding access to healthcare. She flipped a Washington state Senate seat from Republican to Democrat in 2018, winning by just 102 votes. Randall’s advocacy work is deeply personal, driven by her experiences growing up with a younger sister who had severe disabilities. Randall shared her excitement about representing her district as she approached the U.S. Capitol for her swearing-in ceremony.

Rep. Julie Johnson made history in 2018 when she became the first Texas House member with a spouse of the same gender. Running for Congress in 2024, Johnson advocated for protecting abortion access, strengthening gun laws, and safeguarding the Affordable Care Act. As an attorney, she brings years of experience to her new role, and after her victory, Johnson vowed to work for a future where all Texans can thrive.

These three women join a growing list of LGBTQ lawmakers, continuing to break barriers and advance representation in U.S. politics.

 

Leave a Comment