The Brief Joanna Whaley won the Democratic Primary for District 2 in the Michigan House race. Whaley, with a win in November, would be the first openly trans House representative in state history. Whaley says her message to voters isn't about identity, but the affordability crisis gripping the country and her Downriver district. A Downriver candidate for the state legislature is attempting to make history. The backstory:Joanna Whaley won the Democratic primary and she hopes to become the first openly transgender woman to win with a victory in November.