Democrat Allison Montgomery made history Tuesday night, becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the Alabama Legislature after defeating Republican incumbent Phillip Rigsby in the state’s House District 25 race.
Montgomery secured 53.2% of the vote, compared to Rigsby’s 46.7%, according to unofficial results from the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. With all precincts reporting, Montgomery received 12,456 votes to Rigsby’s 10,929, flipping a district that Republicans have controlled for two decades.
The victory represents a significant political milestone in a state that has enacted some of the nation’s most restrictive legislation targeting transgender residents.
Montgomery, a software engineer and transgender rights advocate from the Huntsville area, campaigned on issues including affordability, public education, and access to healthcare. Her victory came despite facing attacks centered on her gender identity throughout the campaign.
According to Alabama Political Reporter, Rigsby repeatedly targeted Montgomery’s transgender identity during the closing days of the election. Montgomery responded by emphasizing that voters were more concerned about everyday challenges facing Alabama families.
The district, which includes portions of Madison and Limestone counties, had long been considered Republican territory. Rigsby won the seat in 2022 with approximately 58% of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Mallory Hagan.
Montgomery’s victory also came despite being significantly outspent by her Republican opponent.
Before seeking office, Montgomery was involved in grassroots organizing through the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition. She has described herself as a practicing Christian and an Eagle Scout, challenging familiar political narratives about transgender Americans.
Her election comes against the backdrop of Alabama’s ongoing battles over transgender rights. Republican lawmakers have enacted restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare for minors, transgender participation in school sports, and discussions of gender identity in public schools.
Montgomery will now enter a Republican-dominated legislature where many of those policies originated.
Her victory was also part of a broader Democratic showing in Madison County, where the party flipped two state House seats and a state Senate seat.
While Montgomery’s election does not immediately change the balance of power in Montgomery, it establishes a historic first for transgender political representation in Alabama.
For the state’s transgender residents, the result means that someone who openly shares their identity will have a seat at the table when lawmakers debate legislation affecting their lives.
And in a state where transgender people have frequently been the subject of political debate, Montgomery will now have a vote in those debates.
