Allison Montgomery Becomes Alabama’s First Openly Trans Lawmaker

Allison Montgomery Makes History as Alabama’s First Openly Trans Lawmaker

Allison Montgomery, a software engineer, won Alabama House District 25 in the 2026 midterms, becoming the state’s first openly transgender lawmaker. Her victory adds to a broader national trend of trans and nonbinary candidates breaking new ground.

Trans Woman Elected to State Legislature

Montgomery’s win marks a milestone for trans women elected to public office. She defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Phillip Rigsby, securing a seat that had never before been held by an openly transgender person.

Campaign Focus and Policy Platform

Running on a platform of expanding healthcare access, strengthening workers’ rights, and eliminating Alabama’s grocery tax, Montgomery emphasized concrete policy proposals rather than cultural debates. She described her campaign as a grassroots effort built on principles and policies, urging voters to look beyond “culture war” distractions.

Reaction and Outlook

In her victory statement, Montgomery pledged to work especially hard for constituents who opposed her, noting that “they deserve a better Alabama as much as anyone.” She framed the win as evidence that a policy‑first campaign can succeed even in a traditionally conservative state.

Her election comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights face heightened challenges nationwide. Alongside Montgomery, five other transgender and nonbinary candidates won races in states that had never elected such representatives before, expanding LGBTQ+ political power.

Broader Context

Other historic wins include Georgia’s first nonbinary lawmaker, Georgia Bentley Hudgins, and Michigan’s first trans state legislator, Joanna Whaley. In Washington, Jaelynn Scott became the first out Black trans state lawmaker. These victories collectively signal growing electoral viability for trans candidates.

Montgomery’s success may influence future races in the South, where similar grassroots, policy‑focused campaigns could challenge entrenched incumbents. As Democrats aim to gain a majority in state chambers, the addition of Montgomery and her peers could prove pivotal.

For further coverage of historic elections, see Keisha Lance Bottoms Governor Victory Makes History in Georgia.

Sources: The 19th News, Alabama Political Reporter, rocketcitynow.com.