Sharice Davids

Rep. Sharice Davids is changing perceptions across the board — for lesbians, women, mixed martial artists, and Democrats in Kansas. Elected in 2018 as one of the first two Native American women in Congress (along with Deb Haaland of New Mexico), the former professional fighter and her progressive agenda remain highly popular in her Kansas City-area district.

Even though the Sunflower State very rarely sends Democrats to the House, Davids handily defeated a Republican challenger in 2022 in a newly drawn third district that skewed more red. She did so while never tempering her support for reproductive freedoms, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ equality.

A former lawyer, Davids says her life outside of politics has aided her political career and endeared her to her constituents. “I never intended to be in Congress, so there were so many institutional and financial challenges I faced to get here,” Davids says. “However, being a regular person has also made me a stronger representative because I have felt many of the common daily struggles that Kansans face. It gives me with greater insight into why the policies we’re working on are so impactful.”

Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk people, knows her success means so much to those who rarely have a seat at the table. “There are so many of us in Congress and decision-making positions that are fighting to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is being treated with respect and dignity, especially our queer-identifying youth,” she says. “Right now, LGBTQ+ youth face significantly higher rates of suicide than others their age, so it’s important they know folks like me see them and are fighting for them. It can save lives.” @repdavids