Lisa Middleton, a soft-spoken yet tenacious politician, is poised to make history this November as California’s first openly transgender state lawmaker. However, she is not running on her identity alone. During a late May fundraiser in a gated community near Palm Springs, Middleton focused on pragmatic policies like pedestrian safety, public transportation, climate change, and college access. Only after addressing these issues did she briefly touch on her gender identity—a strategy that mirrors her broader campaign approach.
“I’m never going to back away from who I am, but what I’ve consistently tried to do is make it clear that it’s just a part of my identity—it’s not everything,” Middleton explained. The former mayor of Palm Springs, who transitioned 30 years ago, emphasizes that her candidacy is rooted in her policy expertise, not solely in breaking barriers.
Middleton made history in 2017 when she became the first openly transgender person elected to a non-judicial position in California, serving on the Palm Springs City Council. After serving as the city’s Mayor Pro Tempore from 2020 to 2021, she succeeded Christy Holstege as mayor on Dec. 9, 2021, becoming California’s first openly transgender mayor. Focusing on regional issues like housing, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability was a hallmark of her term as mayor, which lasted through 2022.
Middleton’s decision to minimize the focus on her transgender identity in campaign materials is intentional. A recent ad highlighted her ability to work across the aisle with Republicans to address tangible issues like job creation and infrastructure. “It’s not why I ran for office,” she said.
Competing Firsts: Middleton vs. Ochoa Bogh
Middleton’s historic run for California’s 19th Senate District has drawn support from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and top Democrats eager to flip the traditionally Republican seat. Her opponent, Republican incumbent Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Redlands), has also staked her campaign on a historic narrative. As the first Latina Republican elected to the California Senate, Ochoa Bogh, 52, emphasizes her roots as the daughter of Mexican immigrants and the importance of representing conservative Latina voices.
Ochoa Bogh emphasized in a recent interview how her platform focuses on “family, faith, and work ethic,” which she claims California’s political establishment frequently overlooks. A former teacher and real estate agent, Ochoa Bogh also champions local issues like mental health and housing.
Despite their common goals of public service and representation for underrepresented communities, Middleton and Ochoa Bogh differ drastically on key policies. Middleton supports reproductive freedom, affordable housing, and measures to combat homelessness. Law enforcement organizations devoted to addressing the fentanyl crisis and human trafficking in the district have also endorsed her.
A Personal Battle
Middleton’s campaign also has a deeply personal dimension, particularly when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Ochoa Bogh has consistently voted against legislation that affirms transgender rights and healthcare access, and her opposition to protections for LGBTQ+ children in schools has further fueled Middleton’s resolve.
In contrast, Middleton has made protecting reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights a central tenet of her platform. Reflecting on her own journey of coming out and transitioning, she said, “The lies that are being talked about…are ones that I know fundamentally, because I have lived this life.”
At a campaign event in Riverside, Middleton addressed the harmful rhetoric around transgender individuals, calling it dangerous and harmful. “I fought for a long time before I could live my truth, and I am fortunate to have a family and a career that accepted me,” she said. “But many others are not so lucky.”
Ochoa Bogh, who has expressed “compassion and empathy” for the transgender community, maintains that her voting record on LGBTQ+ issues does not reflect hostility. Instead, she contends that concerns about parental rights and religious freedoms influence her voting decisions.
A Crucial November Battle
As the November election approaches, the race between Middleton and Ochoa Bogh is expected to be one of the most competitive in California. The district, redrawn after the 2020 census, now includes both conservative strongholds in San Bernardino County and more liberal communities like Palm Springs in Riverside County.
With 54% of the vote, Ochoa Bogh emerged victorious in the primary election held in March, while Middleton received 46% of the vote. However, the general election is expected to draw a larger and more diverse electorate, potentially shifting the outcome.
The stakes in this election extend beyond just representation; they reflect broader ideological battles playing out across the state and nation. With California’s legislature increasingly embracing progressive policies, a win for Middleton could further solidify these trends, while Ochoa Bogh’s reelection would bolster the conservative movement within the state.
Middleton remains optimistic, focused not on the labels that have been applied to her but on the issues she believes matter most to voters. “I’m running to make a difference in Sacramento and be an effective voice for the 19th District by fighting for pragmatic, common-sense solutions that will improve the lives of all Californians,” she said.
If elected, Middleton’s victory would mark a significant milestone for transgender visibility in U.S. politics, while also showcasing her as a leader deeply committed to the practical concerns of her constituents.
The race for California’s 19th Senate District will likely be one to watch closely, not just for its historic implications but for the issues that are at its heart—issues that affect everyday lives in the Golden State.
