Keturah Herron has won her race for the Kentucky state Senate, making her the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to that legislative body. In 2022, she became the first out LGBTQ member of the Kentucky House of Representatives.
In 2022, she became the first out LGBTQ+ member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, and now will become the first ever out LGBTQ+ woman elected to the Kentucky State Senate.
Ernesto Scorsone came out in 2003 while serving the Kentucky Senate. He ran for re-election as an out candidate in 2004.
“I am very humbled to continue to work for all Kentuckians as I move to the Senate,” Herron said. “We know this work is very hard and we are at a pivotal time in our nation. I will continue to speak the truths for our people, build coalitions, and find others to run for office as well. I will do it with courage, boldness and confidence even when the days are dark.”
Janelle Perez, executive director of LPAC, which endorsed Herron, said, “In the South, Kentucky has fought to be an oasis for LGBTQ people, and we have Keturah Herron to thank for that.
“Keturah has been a champion for racial justice, gun safety and LGBTQ equality, and we are fortunate to have her as a leader for
Kentucky,” Perez added. “We are thrilled to see Keturah move up to the state Senate, where we know she will continue to tirelessly advocate for our community.”
LPAC is the nation’s only organization dedicated to advancing the political representation of LGBTQ women and nonbinary candidates.
Becca Balint, another LPAC endorsed candidate, has held her seat representing Vermont’s at-large district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Balint, elected in 2022, is the first woman and first out LGBTQ+ person to represent Vermont in Congress.
— Tammye Nash
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