Transgender lawmaker from Minnesota wins USA Today ‘Women of the Year’ alongside Michelle Obama

A transgender legislator from Minnesota who was only elected three months ago has been named the state’s ‘Woman of the Year’ honoree by USA Today. 

Leigh Finke, a former academic, journalist and author, was voted into her heavily left-leaning district in the Twin Cities metro area last November with 81 percent of the ballot. 

She was honored alongside several others – transgender assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine was one last year – including former First Lady Michelle Obama and the United States women’s soccer team.

Finke is the first transgender legislator to be elected in the state, which is part of why the paper chose to honor her. Finke transitioned in 2017. 

While the state’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan praised the award, some were less than thrilled, including former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. 

Leigh Finke, a former academic, journalist and author, was voted into her heavily left-leaning district in the Twin Cities metro area last…