Michele Rayner-Goolsby and Shevrin Jones
Florida has made history by electing two Black queer politicians, Michele Rayner-Goolsby and Shevrin Jones to serve in the state legislature. Rayner-Goolsby becomes the first out LGBTQ Black woman elected to Florida’s House of Representatives. Rayner-Goolsby, who describes herself as an “unapologetic Black woman,” won in Florida’s District 70. She did not face an opponent in the general election after winning the Democratic primary.
Jones is also now the first out LGBT+ person ever elected to the state senate, winning the Florida Senate District 35. The district covers parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties including Miramar, West Park and Miami Gardens.
