Transgender Woman Loses Race For Trustee In Western Michigan
SPARTA, Mich. (AP) - A transgender woman has finished last in a race for township trustee in Kent County.
Gidget Groendyk ran in the Republican primary Tuesday in Sparta Township, a conservative community north of Grand Rapids. If elected, she had pledged to try to increase protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents.
There were six Republican candidates for four seats on the township board. With no Democrats running, the winners will be unopposed in November.
The Grand Rapids Press says Groendyk got 114 votes, hundreds short of victory. The ballot listed her name and her former name as a man.
Transgender Michigan says no transgender person has been elected in Michigan. Groendyk says she's not discouraged and plans to run next time for township supervisor.
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