Jaelynn Scott addresses a crowd on election night, Nov. 3. (Photo courtesy of Deaunte Damper)
Democrat Jaelynn Scott secured a victory in Washington's 37th Legislative District for Position 2 in the Nov. 3 general election, securing 87.32% of the vote as of Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. Defeating Independent Evon McCorkle, Scott becomes the first openly transgender member of the Washington Legislature and the first openly Black transgender state legislator in the United States.
Scott emphasized the community effort behind the campaign and the importance of outreach across the district, which includes the Central District, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Columbia City, Skyway, and Renton.
“We worked really hard to make sure that we were knocking on doors and talking with everyone in our district... to really hear the various concerns, and issues that our residents are facing,” Scott said. “I'm very proud of everyone who volunteered on our campaign to ensure that we had a multi-ethnic, multi-racial campaign for working people.”
Addressing the nature of her election amidst broader political debates surrounding the transgender community and healthcare cuts in Washington State, Scott noted the broader significance of her win.
“What does it say that we have decided in the 37th to send the first openly trans rep in the state of Washington, in the face of these attacks?” she said. “It sends a signal to all [in the] trans community that they are welcome here, that this is a sanctuary state.”
Looking ahead to the legislative session, Scott identified priorities including funding for education, housing solutions, fighting gentrification, and expanding access to healthcare.
“And that means something, not because of identity, but because there is an intersectional community that comes with an identity,” Scott said. “We will bring that as a coalition... to fight for working people.”
Check all Washington State election results in the 2026 midterm elections here.
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