Jaelynn Scott has made history in Washington state, becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the state Legislature and the first openly Black transgender woman elected to a state legislative seat in the United States.
Scott, a Democrat and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, won the November 3 election for Washington’s 37th Legislative District, Position 2, defeating independent candidate Evon McCorkle. According to Ballotpedia’s election results, Scott received approximately 88% of the vote in the heavily Democratic district, which includes portions of south Seattle and Renton.
The victory marks another milestone for transgender political representation following a midterm election that saw several openly transgender candidates win legislative races across the country.
Scott currently serves as executive director of the Lavender Rights Project, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing civil rights, housing security, and economic justice for Black transgender communities.
Originally from Mississippi, Scott has spent years working with marginalized populations, including people experiencing homelessness, discrimination, and barriers to healthcare. She is also an ordained Buddhist minister whose background in community organizing has shaped her political priorities.
During her campaign, Scott emphasized affordable housing, expanded healthcare access, public education, and a more progressive tax structure. She has advocated increasing taxes on wealthy households and large corporations to fund essential public services while reducing financial pressures on working families.
Speaking with the Seattle Gay News following her victory, Scott described the significance of her election.
“This is a historic moment for the state, and it is not about me, but I’m excited for the community,” she said.
Her election comes amid continuing political battles over transgender rights in Washington and nationwide.
In the same election, Washington voters approved Initiative 638, a measure restricting transgender girls’ participation in girls’ school sports. The contrasting results highlight the complicated political environment Scott will enter when she takes office.
Scott has previously criticized efforts to restrict transgender rights and has pledged to defend access to gender-affirming healthcare while addressing broader economic inequalities.
Her election also represents an important development in the history of transgender political representation. While other transgender lawmakers have served in state legislatures, Scott will be the first openly Black transgender woman to do so.
Scott is expected to take office in January 2027, bringing her experience in community advocacy to Olympia.
For Washington’s transgender community, her victory establishes a historic first while placing another openly transgender voice directly inside the legislative process.
