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The slogan for John Deere tractors is “Nothing runs like a Deere.” The same could be said for JulieJohnson’s campaigns. (Photo courtesy of Julie Johnson.com)

After a landslide victory, Johnson becomes first LGBTQ congressperson elected from the South

DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer
Taffet@DallasVoice.com

To many in the LGBTQ community across the country, the 2024 elections were, overall, disastrous: The GOP, which has a decidedly anti-LGBTQ record, despite some gay conservatives’ efforts, will take control of all three branches of the federal government. And much of the hard-won progress the community has made seems to be in danger.

But there were bright spots, and the election of Texas state Rep. Julie Johnson as the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from any Southern state was definitely one of the brightest.

Throughout her six years in the Texas Legislature, Johnson has remained a steadfast voice for common sense as well as for LGBTQ civil rights. And as we ready ourselves to keep up the fight in the face of so much fear and uncertainty, the knowledge that Johnson will be as much a steadfast force for sanity and progress in Washington as she was in Austin, provides a steadying hand and a ray of hope for the community.

That is why Dallas Voice has chosen Congresswoman-elect Julie Johnson as our 2024 LGBTQ Texan of the Year.

Breaking ground
Few new members of Congress have gotten as much national attention as Julie Johnson: “Julie Johnson has made history, becoming the first member of the LGBTQ+ community to be elected to Congress from the U.S. South,” People magazine declared after the election.

“Now, she’s eager to use her voice to serve the greater good.”

“Johnson made a name for herself in the Texas state Legislature, collaborating and forging friendships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle,” wrote D.C. newspaper The Hill about her victory.

Johnson won her election with more than 60 percent of the vote. And she won in every corner of her

Julie Johnson