SALT LAKE CITY -- A Utah woman is trying to become the first transgender nominee for U.S. Senate from a major party.
Next month, Misty Snow will face Jonathan Swinton in the Democratic Primary in Utah. The winner goes on to face incumbent Republican Mike Lee.
Snow said she realizes this election could be history making but she wants to be recognized as more than just a transgender candidate.
“It’s all about issues and just because I happen to be transgender I don’t think it’s a big deal,” Snow said.
Snow had no intention of ever running for U.S. Senate. However, she felt the Democratic Party needed another choice. She said fellow candidate, Jonathan Swinton, is too conservative.
“March deadline filing is coming up and he is still running unopposed for the Democratic nomination and I just didn’t think he deserved it, that he needed to be challenged for it,” Snow said.
Swinton said he is proud to call himself a conservative Democrat.
“The approach of trying to be too liberal doesn’t win us anything and it means we don’t have any representation,” Swinton said.
As a small business owner, Swinton runs a family therapy practice.
“I have an understanding of what it takes to create jobs, I have an understanding of the limitations that small businesses in this country face,” Swinton said.
Snow’s work experience consists of a grocery store cashier.
“A lot of people say there isn’t a lot of working class people in government. Well, how do you get more working class people in government? You got to vote for working class people,” Snow said.
Snow also understands her situation is unique because she can be a difference maker for an entire demographic of people.
“I do want full equality for LGBT people, I don’t want us to be second-class citizens,” Snow said.
