Transgender candidate in Seattle could make state history

SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle candidate for state legislature could become Washington's first transgender elected official.

The Seattle Times reports that transgender community activist Danni Askini announced her candidacy Tuesday.

Askini is the founder and executive director of the Gender Justice League. She has made the news recently for defending a state regulation that allows transgender people to use restrooms and locker rooms according to their gender identity.

She is one of several Democratic candidates who have declared their intention to run for the 43rd District state House seat. It is being relinquished by state Rep. Brady Walkinshaw, who is running for U.S. Congress.

The district represents some of Seattle's most liberal neighborhoods.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 3/2/2016 @ 11:41 AM CST