Out lesbian Julie Johnson wins U.S. House Primary
Texas State Representative Julie Johnson, whose campaign was endorsed by former United States Representative Beto O’Rourke, could be the first LGBTQ+ Representative from the South is running to replace Colin Allred in Congress.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund candidate Julie Johnson won Tuesday’s Democratic primary to represent Texas’s 32nd District in the U.S. House. If successful in November, Johnson will make history as the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from the South.
Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, released the following statement: “Julie Johnson is the representative Texas needs in Congress, where she’ll fiercely combat the bigotry and ignorance that’s taken over too much of our state politics. Julie has an enviable record of advocating for her constituents in the state House, and there’s no doubt that experience will make her an invaluable member of the Texas congressional delegation. Whether she’s defending your right to reproductive health care or advancing public education, you can trust Julie to have your back in the tough fights ahead.”
In 2018, Julie unseated the author of the now-infamous Texas Bathroom Bill as a proud LGBTQ+ Texan and won the race to represent state House District 115 by double digits. She was then named “Freshman of the Year” by Texas Monthly. In the legislature, Julie focused on consumer protection and increased healthcare access, all while fighting an onslaught of extreme legislation targeting Texans’ basic rights.
