Transgender Former Pastor Wins Michigan House Primary, Poised for Historic Seat

Joanna Whaley, a 38-year-old transgender woman and former evangelical megachurch pastor, won Michigan's 2nd House District Democratic primary on August 5, 2026, with nearly 66% of the vote. She defeated former state representative Frank Liberati by over 30 points. Whaley is now positioned to become the first openly transgender member of Michigan's state legislature in November's general election.