Political career
In June 2023,Curtis announced her candidacy for the 93rd District seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Her campaign,contesting a special election to succeed Lamin Swann was historic,as she sought to become the first openly transgender state legislator in Kentucky. [1] [19] Curtis unveiled a platform focused on affordable housing,improving public education,reproductive justice,and workers’rights,specifically aiming to repeal "right to work" laws. [20] The Curtis campaign quickly raised $10,000 in donations in the first week,and she was considered a front-runner for the Democratic nomination. [21] Kentucky Democrats later selected Adrielle Camuel to run for the seat. Camuel's selection caused controversy as she was a member of the nomination committee. [21] [22] After Camuel's selection,Curtis endorsed and campaigned for Camuel. [23] In September 2023,Curtis rescinded her support for Camuel,after concerns of Camuel's language and behavior on trans-rights issues. [24] After Curtis and 11 other transgender Kentucky leaders wrote an open letter to Camuel condemning her remarks,Camuel issued a formal apology. [25]
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council
In January 2024,Curtis announced her candidacy for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council's 4th District seat. Curtis campaigned on a platform advocating for a more inclusive society for all residents of Lexington. [26] Her campaign focused on issues such as improving road safety,addressing affordable housing,and enhancing government transparency. In the November 2024 general election,Curtis defeated incumbent Brenda Monarrez, [27] securing 51.8% of the vote. [28] Her victory made her the first openly transgender person elected to the Urban County Council in Lexington and the second transgender public official in Kentucky,following Rebecca Blankenship. [29] [30]
Late night television host John Oliver mentioned Curtis's electoral victory on his show Last Week Tonight. "[E]ven amid the GOP's massive anti-trans ad campaign,on Tuesday,[...] at least 35 transgender and gender-expansive candidates won races in places like Montana,Hawaii and Kentucky,where Emma Curtis was elected to the [Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council],and that is a big deal," Oliver said on his show's first episode after the 2024 general election. [31] [32]
On January 12, 2025, Curtis was sworn in as a council member for the 2025-2026 legislative session. [33] She has expressed that her presence in public office serves as an inspiration for young transgender individuals, demonstrating that they have a place and a voice in their communities. [3]
2026 State Legislative Election
In March 2025, just three months into her first term as a city councilor, Curtis sparked speculation that she would seek a seat in the Kentucky General Assembly the following year. "In January of 2027, when the legislature gavels in, my promise to you is that we are finally going to have trans representation on the floor of our General Assembly, taking the Oath of Office, ready to hold the line and fight for all of us in Kentucky," Curtis said at the "Trans Day of Joy" in the Kentucky State Capitol on March 27. [34]