Lesbian Texas lawmaker Ann Johnson wins reelection amid attacks on LGBTQ+ rights

Democratic state Rep. Ann Johnson, an openly lesbian lawmaker who has pushed to expand LGBTQ+ protections in Texas, has won reelection to the state House of Representatives, defeating Republican challenger Mike Michna.Johnson secured another term representing Houston’s 134th House District, according to Decision Desk HQ, which called the race at 11:57 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday. With over 95 percent of votes counted, Johnson led Michna 68.87 percent to 31.13 percent.The result preserves an openly LGBTQ+ voice in the Texas legislature, where Republican lawmakers have repeatedly advanced legislation restricting transgender rights and limiting protections for LGBTQ+ residents.Johnson, an attorney and former prosecutor, was first elected to the Texas House in 2020. Her political career has included efforts to address sexual violence, improve access to health care, and protect civil rights.She has also advocated for removing discriminatory laws from the state’s books.In May 2025, Johnson was among the lawmakers involved in advancing legislation to repeal Texas’ longstanding prohibition on consensual same-sex sexual activity.The law has been unenforceable since the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark 2003 ruling in Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down criminal prohibitions on private, consensual sexual activity between adults.Nevertheless, the statute remained on the books more than two decades later.As The Advocate previously reported, efforts to repeal the provision represented an attempt to remove a discriminatory remnant of Texas law, even though the Supreme Court had already rendered it unconstitutional. The repeal bill passed a key House vote, but ultimately did not clear the legislature.Johnson’s reelection comes as LGBTQ+ Texans continue confronting restrictions affecting their daily lives.In recent years, Republican lawmakers have pursued measures targeting gender-affirming medical care, transgender students, and the recognition of gender identity in state documen