national
Joanna Whaley Becomes First Transgender Nominee for Michigan State Legislature
Just the facts
Former megachurch pastor Joanna Whaley defeated former State Representative Frank Liberati and Gary Schlack in the Democratic primary for Michigan's 2nd statehouse district. The primary victory positions Whaley to become the first transgender member of the Michigan State Legislature if elected in November. Whaley previously spent two decades in pastoral roles before leaving her church and working as an emergency room hospital chaplain. In the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026, Whaley will face Republican nominee Ronald Kokinda in the Democratic-leaning district.
Why this is news
Former megachurch pastor Joanna Whaley won the Democratic primary election on August 4, 2026, for Michigan's second statehouse district.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.