excerpt:

Whaley faced a campaign eligibility complaint during the primary from her Democratic opponent, Frank Liberati, and again faced transphobic attacks in the general election cycle from Republican Ron Kokinda, who she defeated by a 24-point margin on Tuesday.

Whaley and her campaign — which was not focused on her transgender identity, but on affordability and accountability for her Downriver district — were able to overcome those types of attacks twice, which Whaley said makes her believe that the messaging attacking her for her gender identity did not resonate with voters, in her district or elsewhere nationwide.

“I think our community and the state in general has finally said we reject culture war crap. They want politicians who are going to do the work and show up for them,” Whaley said. “This election cycle, from the U.S. Senate down into our race, were some of the most vile, disgusting political attacks I think I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. I am really proud of our community for sifting through the junk and listening for the substance.”