Joanna Whaley

Joanna Whaley graduated from Trenton High School. Whaley earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2024 and a graduate degree from the Wartburg Theological Seminary in 2025. Whaley's career experience includes serving as a clergy member.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Joanna is a former pastor and LGBTQ rights activist who is seeking to become the first transgender woman elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. A lifelong resident of the Downriver area, she currently serves as a clinical spiritual care provider in local hospital systems. Her candidacy for House District 2, representing Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, and parts of Southgate, is driven by a commitment to economic justice, healthcare access, and the protection of civil liberties for all Michiganders.

Joanna's journey into public service is informed by her personal resilience and advocacy. After being outed and fired from her position as an evangelical pastor due to her gender identity, she dedicated herself to supporting marginalized individuals within religious systems. She is a survivor of conversion therapy and has used her platform to speak out against discrimination and Christian nationalism.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Joanna is fighting for economic fairness across District 2, advocating to lower utility bills and ensure the fair treatment of consumers. Her platform prioritizes the dignity of labor through fair wages, the right to negotiate pay, and the expansion of job training programs for anyone seeking to learn new skills. Additionally, she is committed to providing critical medical debt relief and establishing fair insurance practices. Joanna believes in holding corporations accountable, especially those that pay workers below the poverty line while earning record profits.Joanna is working for high-quality healthcare for everyone. She is backing the MiCare initiative, first introduced by Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D). She believes in stronger oversight to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying coverage. Medical Debt relief for people struggling to pay of their medical bills and take care of other basic necessities in the meantime. Joanna also stands for Reproductive rights and access to the care individuals need.As a transgender woman, Joanna is running to represent every member of her district, regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs. She will fight to ensure every Michigander has equal access to work, school, housing, and public spaces, while upholding essential civil rights like free speech, the right to vote, the freedom to worship, and the ability to make personal choices without undue government interference.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Civil rights are a foundational pillar of modern public policy, serving as the essential framework for upholding broader civil liberties. For any representative, the protection of individual freedoms, regardless of background, belief, or identity, is a primary responsibility. This commitment to justice often draws from a belief that societal progress depends on addressing the needs of marginalized groups and challenging systemic inequalities that hinder universal liberty. Ultimately, civil rights are a prerequisite for a thriving society where every individual has the opportunity to live freely, safely, and with dignity.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Her Bold Move, Run For Something, Michigan Democratic Party's LGBT&A Caucus, Families United for Trans Rights, The First Ask, Mi List, Jason Behr (Lincoln Park City Council), Jason Behr (Lincoln Park City Council), Carlos Salcedo (Lincoln Park City Council), Pracilla Ayers-Reiss (Southgate City Council), Phill Raugh (Southgate City Council), Ed Gawlik Jr (Southgate City Council), Mike Higgins (Former Mayor of Lincoln Park), Charles Blevins (Former Allen Park City Council), Justin Onwenu (Detroit Entrepreneurship Director)