America Elects Nation’s First Openly Lesbian Governor In MA

On Tuesday night, Harvard-educated Maura Healey defeated a Trump-backed Republican to become the state’s first female governor, becoming the first out lesbian governor of the United States.

The 51-year-old Democrat won the seat back after eight years of Republican control, handily defeating Geoff Diehl, who had echoed the former president’s allegations that the 2020 election had been rigged.

Tuesday night, she received more over 55% of the vote, whereas Diehl only received 38.5 %.

Healey’s victory follows Republican Governor Charlie Baker’s decision to forego a third term and his refusal to support Diehl.

Healey, the former attorney general, was therefore seen as the front-runner in the election, with surveys showing that she was far more popular than her Republican opponent.

Healey said: “To every little girl and every young LGBTQ person out there, I hope tonight teaches you that you can be anything, whatever you want to be.” in her victory address on Tuesday night.

I want you to know I’ll be a governor for everyone, and I’ll work with anyone who’s up for changing this state, whether you voted for me or not,’ she concluded.

Healey is pictured with her longtime partner, Gabrielle Wolohojian, in an undated picture

She promised, “I’ll be a governor for everyone battling with increased costs,” adding, “I’ll create tremendous clean energy jobs.”

Regarding abortion rights in the state, she asserted, “And as long as I’m governor, women will always have the right to their own bodies.”

Together, she said, “we’ll build a stronger Massachusetts for everyone.”

Healey won the election alongside Kim Driscoll, the mayor of Salem, who was running for lieutenant governor. Together, they made history as the first all-female governor and lieutenant governor combo.

Healey is pictured dancing onto the stage after her victory Tuesday night