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Maura Healey becomes first lesbian governor, Internet says 'historic in so many ways'

Healey’s victory with running mate Kim Driscoll will mark the first time in US history that women will serve as both the governor and lieutenant governor of a state

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Maura Healey, Democratic candidate, will be the first lesbian governor in the country after her victory against Geoff Diehl of the Republican Party. She made similar history in 2014 when she became the first LGBTQIA+ elected state attorney general.

According to NBC, she will be a part of the history with the other two LGBTQIA+ democrats, Oregon Gov Kate Brown, who was a bisexual was the first LGBTQIA+ person to be elected as a governor in 2015, and Colorado Gov Jared Polis became the first gay man to be elected governor in 2018.

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One of the key promises of the elected governor for the elections was "to cut taxes, reduce costs in housing and transportation, improve education, and make vocational training available," in the state, reported masslive.com. Healey was popular for her Community Engagement Division which was launched in 2015. The Division launched community office hours and has assisted with the rollout of several policy initiatives, including the Earned Sick Time law and Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights, reported mass.gov. In May 2015, she announced that her office would provide all employees with six weeks of paid family leave. She graduated from Harvard College in 1992 and was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

LGBTQ Victory Fund President and CEO Mayor Annise Parker said regarding Healey's victory, “In the face of so much hate and intolerance sweeping our nation, her win is a sign – especially to LGBTQ kids in desperate need of hope — that LGBTQ people have a place in American society and can become respected public leaders."  Further, she added, “It is an uphill battle for LGBTQ candidates and women candidates to win high-level elected office, but Massachusetts voters know Maura is a fighter and today helped her make U.S. political history," reported Yahoo.

Lisa Turner, the executive director of LPAC, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ women candidates, claimed, "Maura Healey’s victory marks a milestone in women’s representation. Not only is Healey the first woman elected as Governor of Massachusetts, but she is the first open lesbian ever elected to lead a U.S. state. As governor, she will be an important role model for millions of LGBTQ women across the country.”

“Tonight, Maura Healey made history, becoming the first out lesbian governor this nation has ever elected. Massachusetts embraced a platform of equality and inclusion by electing a pro-equality champion. With her in the statehouse, LGBTQ+ youth across Massachusetts and the United States will get to see that they are represented at the highest levels of government and that they can achieve anything they set their minds on. We celebrate Maura Healey’s historic win and look forward to working with her to continue to fight for a Massachusetts that is inclusive and welcoming to all," said Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison.

'It's not a huge surprise'

The Internet was quick to react to her victory. A user said, "She is exceptional. She’s one of America’s best-elected representatives." Another tweet read, "It's not a huge surprise. She is very popular here." Another commented, "This is a piece of very good news! Congratulations to the new governor." "Historic win in so many ways !," claimed a user. Meanwhile, a user explained, "Flipping great news! Women power." A user tweeted, "Congratulations!!!! Former AG Healey!!" Another said, "Way to go Massachusetts!!"  "Congratulations, Governor Healey!," said a user. A tweet read, "Thank God." Another claimed, "“When Democrats stand up and fight, we win.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online