A transgender activist who drew national attention last year after confronting Caitlyn Jenner at an event and calling her a “fucking fraud” is now vying for a seat in California’s state Assembly.
According to HuffPost, Ashlee Marie Preston on Saturday announced her plans to run for the District 54 seat, following the resignation of California Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas.
Preston, the former editor in chief of Wear Your Voice magazine, would represent Century City, Westwood, Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills and other Los Angeles neighborhoods if she wins.
The activist, who was also a 2017 honoree of The Root 100, told The Advocate that she would address issues ranging from police brutality and rape culture to trans discrimination and immigration issues if elected to office.
“As someone directly impacted by the issues that often diminish the quality of life, I have an acute understanding of which policies must be put into play in order to move progress forward for the constituents of the 54th District and beyond. I believe in prioritizing people over politics,” Preston said in a press release. “We are more than poll percentage points; we are real people with real stories. I fully intend to continue honoring those experiences, and advocating for those who don’t have a seat at the table.”
In August, Preston gained widespread attention after calling out Caitlyn Jenner as a “fucking fraud” for her support of President Donald Trump, particularly in his attempt to enforce a transgender military ban.
“You’re a fucking fraud,” Preston could be heard saying in a video of the confrontation that she posted to Facebook:
Read more at HuffPost and The Advocate.