Nevada’s Lauren Scott Takes a Huge Step For Trans-Kind

When it comes to politics, voting for a particular candidate usually involves considering a person’s qualifications based on a proven track record and accomplishments while reviewing relative jobs or positions. The same truth is being held toward Nevada’s ambitious new Republican Lauren Scott—who, politics aside, could be the country’s first transgender state legislator.

But first, let’s review her background: Scott works as a consultant to government and private industry, focusing on business development and renewable energy issues. She is also the executive director of Equality Nevada and a leading advocate for civil rights issues in Nevada. She served closed to seven years in the military as an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force, receiving two achievement medals and a commendation medal for her service in Desert Storm. Scott also did service in Nevada at the Tonopah Test Range as a military firefighter in support of F-117A Stealth Fighter operations.

Most recently, she has been involved in civil rights in Nevada and is seen as one of the state’s leading advocates for LGBT rights. Originally listed as a Democrat, she moved to the Republican side as a strategy move to shake up the gridlock in the state capital.

“We need visionary and decisive leaders in Carson City, not legislators beholden to corporate interests. If left unchecked, neoconservative policies will turn Nevada into a corporate-owned wasteland, not a state for the people and their families. I will bring leadership and common sense back to the Republican Party,” Scott said. “The Republicans want to lower taxes, which decreases revenue and decimates social services and higher education. The Democrats want to spend more for social services by increasing the debt and raising taxes on businesses and the wealthy. Neither action addresses the real problem facing Nevada today, which is high unemployment.”

One thing is certain, Lauren Scott’s journey to Nevada’s state capital will be a long one, but with the support of many Democrats and the ambition of a soldier, she may make history in our neighbor’s front yard.