US elections: James Roesener makes history as first trans man elected to US state legislature

New Hampshire’s James Roesener has made history as the first out trans man elected to the US state legislature.

Roesener, 26, won the election for New Hampshire’s 22nd state House District, Ward 8, according to website LGBTQ Victory Fund, making him the first out trans man elected to any state legislature in US history.

Roesener, who reportedly identifies as bisexual and lives with his wife and cat, said ahead of the election that he believes in removing barriers to “shelter, education, healthcare, voting, and other basic necessities for a quality life”.

His win comes five years after Danica Roem became the first openly trans person elected to US state legislature, when she won a seat in Virginia, and then was reelected despite a wave of anti-trans campaigning against her.

As the results of the midterm elections roll in, one Twitter user noted: “Whatever happens this year – all these ‘small’ victories are actually huge.”

‘America is ready for trans men leaders’

Mayor Annise Parker, president and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, said in a statement: “Tonight is a resounding win for New Hampshire and for trans people across the country, with James shattering the lavender ceiling and proving that America is ready for trans men leaders in our state legislatures.

“At a time of intensifying transphobia at all levels of government and society, he showed incredible courage throughout his historic campaign.

“Trans people – and trans men in particular – remain severely underrepresented in government at every level, but we are confident his win will inspire many more trans people to run for office.”

While the full election results have not yet been released, as of Wednesday morning (9 November), it was previously found that a record-breaking number of LGBTQ+ politicians ran for office in the midterm elections.

According to Victory Fund, 678 queer politicians ran during the November midterms, up from 574 in 2020.

Parker added ahead of the election: “Bigots want us to stay home and stay quiet, but their attacks are backfiring and instead have motivated a new wave of LGBTQ+ leaders to run for office.”