The Lesbian Who Could Replace Madison Cawthorn and More Primary News
WLOS.The district leans Republican, but Beach-Ferrara could win in November if there is high turnout in Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, and if some other counties could be flipped to the Democrats, Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper told the station.Beach-Ferrara was one of The Advocate’s Champions of Pride in 2021. “I am most proud to be part of the community that is on the frontlines of the extraordinary organizing that is happening across the South to defeat anti-trans legislation and to be following the leadership of trans folks in these efforts — not just to defeat bills, but to stand with trans youth in particular and make sure they know they are loved, celebrated, and part of a community,” she said at the time.There were several other notable victories for LGBTQ+ candidates Tuesday.
Also in North Carolina, LaWana Mayfield was one of the top four Democratic candidates for at-large seats on the Charlotte City Council, so she will advance to the city’s general election, to be held July 26.
For the at-large seats, four Democrats will face four Republicans. Mayfield, a Black lesbian, could be the first out member of the LGBTQ+ community elected citywide in Charlotte; from 2011 to 2019, she was a district representative on the council.
There are currently just six Black lesbians on city councils around the nation, and none in the South, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund.“LaWana shattered this lavender ceiling because she has always shown up and delivered for her community,” Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker said in a press release. “Her neighbors and constituents not only trust her, but they are excited and inspired by her vision for Charlotte.
