August 22, 2018
Washington, D.C.—The National Center for Transgender Equality Action Fund released its second round of endorsements for the 2018 election cycle:
- Alexandra Chandler has spent her life in public service. As a Naval Intelligence Officer, she spent twelve years combating terrorism. Alexandra, also a lawyer, is running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 3rd District of Massachusetts, which includes much of the northeastern and central parts of the state. In a competitive race with nine other candidates, Alexandra has a fighting chance to become the first openly transgender member of Congress. Alexandra lives in Haverhill, MA with her wife, two sons, and parents.
- Melissa Sklarz is a lifelong resident of New York, a prominent civil rights activist, and former judicial delegate who was the first transgender person to be elected to a public office in New York state. Melissa is running to serve as Assemblyperson for the 30th District in Queens and has pledged to fight for equity, defend immigrants, relieve overcrowding in schools, and begin improving her district’s public transportation.
The NCTE Action Fund previously endorsed Christine Hallquist, who became the first transgender nominee for governor from a major party after her big primary win in Vermont last week.
Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, director of external relations for the NCTE Action Fund, voiced her support for both candidates:
“We are so proud to have the opportunity to support strong leaders like Alexandra and Melissa. Each has blazed a unique path that has made them leaders and role models in their communities and their country. Each of them brings forward a platform that addresses the needs and lives of all of their constituents. From their experience in the intelligence community or the civil rights community, Alexandra and Melissa embody the power, spirit and wisdom that transgender people can bring to leadership roles.”