First transgender person of color, Andrea Jenkins, elected to public office in U.S

Andrea Jenkins won a seat on the Minneapolis City Council, becoming the first openly transgender person of color ever elected to public office in the U.S.

Jenkins, a former policy aide to two city council members, captured 73 percent of the votes to win Minneapolis’ Eight Ward over three other candidates Tuesday night.

Jenkins picked up endorsements from the Minneapolis Star Tribune as well as Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison while running a campaign emphasizing affordable housing, raising the minimum wage and fair policing.

“As an African American trans-identified woman, I know firsthand the feeling of being marginalized, left out, thrown under the bus. Those days are over. We don't just want a seat at the table, we want to set the table,” Jenkins said in her victory speech, according to KMSP.

Jenkins, who is also an award-winning poet, writer, and performance artist, makes history alongside Danica Roem, a transgender woman who won a seat in Virginia’s legislature.

Roem has become the first openly transgender person to serve in the House of Delegates after defeating Republican incumbent Del. Bob Marshall.