NEWMARKET, N.H. (AP) | Two New Hampshire politicians will make history next week when they’re sworn in as the state’s first openly transgender women to serve in the State House.
The Portsmouth Herald reports Gerri Cannon and Lisa Bunker will represent Somersworth and Exeter respectively when they take office on Jan. 2. Stacie Laughton became the first openly transgender lawmaker elected in New Hampshire in 2012. However, Laughton never took office because of a felony conviction.
Bunker became upset when President Donald Trump was elected in 2016 and decided to run. She says she later looked to Danica Roem, Virginia’s first openly transgender officer holder, for inspiration.
Cannon wants to improve issues surrounding health and human services. Bunker says she wants to focus on preventing gun violence and closing the opportunity gap.
