Palm Springs, CA

In an announced statement, Palm Springs City Councilmember Lisa Middleton who is the first transgender person to be elected into political office in California, has announced her plans to run for California State Senate in the newly drawn District 19 being vacated in late 2024 by termed out state Senator Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore).

If she wins, she will become California’s first openly transgender legislator.

In a statement Middleton wrote:

“I’m thrilled to announce my campaign for State Senate. I’m running to make a difference in Sacramento & be an effective voice for #SD19 families by fighting for pragmatic, common-sense solutions that will improve the lives of all Californians.

I spent most of my adult life working in state government — helping ensure that workers injured on the job got the compensation they deserved & fighting fraud, waste & abuse. I have seen government succeed & I have seen it fail. The difference always comes down to leadership. Throughout my career, I’ve been a leader who listens to & delivers results for the people I represent. In the Senate, I’ll work to return our state to a place where a crisis is not an opportunity for partisanship, but for us to save lives through preparation & cooperation.

(Lisa Middleton Campaign Photo)

The California I grew up in made it possible for me to be the first in my family to go to college. California provided world-class education, transportation networks, communication systems & economic opportunity. I know that we can be that California once again. It is time that San Bernardino & Riverside Counties receive our fair share of California’s budget. Our region is one of the fastest growing in the country. To win the 21st century, we need a local & regional infrastructure built for the 21st century.

We cannot wait to address climate change. It is past time we ensure opportunity for all does in fact include everyone.

My path to being the first transgender Californian elected to political office began by standing up for local neighborhoods & street repair funding. In the Senate, I will work every day to improve the quality of your life, in your neighborhood.

The challenges we face as a region and a state — climate change, inequity, crime, economic insecurity, crumbling infrastructure and a growing homelessness crisis — are not simple problems. But I am a clear-eyed optimist who believes our best years are in front of us.

This is America. We are Californians. We inherited tremendous opportunities. Now it is our responsibility to build on the investments of our parents and grandparents.

My grandson is expected to live to see the 22nd century. The business of California is building the schools, equality of opportunity, transportation, jobs & climate that give my grandchild and every child the foundation to build their California Dream.

I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work. I hope you’ll join me.”