This story originally appeared on The Advocate.
Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the transgender Democrat who became a national figure after Republican lawmakers barred her from the House floor in 2023, has secured another term representing the Missoula area.
Zephyr ran unopposed in Montana’s 95th House District, according to Decision Desk HQ, which called her reelection at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
The result extends the political career of Montana’s first out trans state legislator, who has emerged as one of the country’s most recognizable advocates for transgender rights.
Related: Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr wins reelection, will return to House floor after sanction
Zephyr first made national headlines in April 2023 after condemning Republican legislation restricting gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.
During debate over the measure, she warned lawmakers that supporting the restrictions would leave them with "blood on [their] hands."
Republican leaders demanded an apology. When Zephyr refused, the House voted to bar her from the chamber floor for the remainder of the legislative session.
She continued representing her constituents from outside the chamber, often working from a hallway bench. The disciplinary action transformed Zephyr into a national symbol of resistance to anti-transgender legislation.
Despite the controversy, voters reelected her in 2024, allowing her to return to the House with her legislative privileges restored.
Her return to the legislature did not end the political battles over transgender rights. In March 2025, Zephyr spoke against a Republican-backed proposal that would have imposed penalties on drag performers and promoters. The legislation failed after several Republicans joined Democrats in opposing it.
As The Advocate reported, the measure failed in a 44-55 vote, with Republican lawmakers joining Democrats after an emotional debate over parental rights and LGBTQ+ expression.
Zephyr argued that the proposed restrictions would marginalize transgender people and described how anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric affected her family.
She also challenged restrictions on transgender people's access to public facilities as Montana lawmakers continued pursuing legislation defining sex and gender under state law.
Related: Montana judge blocks anti-trans bathroom law
In April 2025, a Montana judge temporarily blocked a law restricting transgender people’s access to bathrooms and other facilities in public buildings. Zephyr welcomed the ruling.
Her latest election comes as LGBTQ+ advocates continue challenging restrictions affecting transgender Montanans.
