Christine Hallquist won the Democratic primary on Tuesday for the governorship of the state of Vermont. In case of victory, she will become the first transgender woman elected governor in the United States.
In the same vein, Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born Democrat, claimed victory in his state of Minnesota, putting her on the path to being one of the first Muslim women to be a member of the United States House of Representatives. .
However, Christine’s victory is not assured. She will face her opponent outgoing governor Phil Scott in office since 2016.
In 2015, “Christine made the decision, after years of keeping her in her, to become herself, a transgender woman, becoming the first leader in the country to begin her transition then in office,” says a short biography available on the website of his campaign. Christine Hallquist was then a director of a company.
“Working to ensure that Vermont remains a special, inclusive and progressive place is what motivates Christine to seek honor and opportunity to serve the people of Vermont as the next governor,” the statement said.
Hallquist defeated James Ehlers, veteran and marine environmentalist, Brenda Siegel, executive director of a dance festival and Ethan Sonneborn, a 14-year-old teenager.
In Minnesota, Ilhan Omar declared his victory in the Democratic primary.
“Ilhan Omar has been declared the winning candidate for the congressional election to represent the fifth largest district in Minnesota,” said a statement on his website. “As the first refugee elected to Congress (and second Muslim woman after Rashida Tlaib of the State of Michigan), Ilhan will bring a unique perspective and new energy to our capital,” adds the text.