Maebe A Girl (center) is seen during her swearing in at the May 1 Silver Lake Neighborhood Council meeting. Maebe A Girl made history in April when she became the first drag queen elected to public office in the United States. Photo: Chloe Sprague.
SILVER LAKE — Maebe A Girl, the first drag queen elected to public office in the United States, has announced she is running for Congress.
Maebe A Girl has completed the preliminary filings and entered the race as a Democrat for the 28th Congressional District, which stretches from West Hollywood to the eastern border of Pasadena and from Echo Park to the Angeles National Forest.
Maebe A Girl runs for Congress
Democrat Adam Schiff represents the district and is in his 10th term.
“I want to run against Adam Schiff because I believe the people in (California’s 28th District) deserve a representative that can relate to their struggles and who knows what it’s like to experience systemic oppression,” Maebe A Girl told Q Voice News. “Too many of our representatives are wealthy, middle-aged white men, and that doesn’t accurately represent our diverse population.
“In a political climate where so many people’s civil liberties are at risk, I want to be on the front lines fighting for them,” she said.
The election will take place March 3, the same date as the California Primary.
Maebe A Girl said her campaign’s platform will include three elements:
- Protect: Protect minorities, protect immigrants, protect women, and protect the environment.
- Advocate: Advocate for diversity, inclusion, and representation.
- Legislate: Legislate for progressive action.
Before Stonewall, the Black Cat in Silver Lake had LGBTQ protest
Historic win in Silver Lake
Maebe A Girl — who identifies as nonbinary and uses the pronouns she/her and they/them — made history in April when she was elected to the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council. She appeared on the ballot as Maebe A Girl and conducts council business as her drag persona. According to a search of public records, Maebe A Girl is the first drag queen elected to public office in the United States.
The idea of running for Congress occurred while campaigning for the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, she said.
“I’ve been inspired by all the people I’ve spoken to who want to see real change and actual representation in government,” she said. “I want to do as much as possible for both my local community and the nation at large.”
Silver Lake Council
The election timeline shouldn’t interfere with her civic duties in Silver Lake, Maebe A Girl said.
“I’m still very much committed to fulfilling my current obligations and fully intend to complete my term on the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council,” she said.
