Evelina Kertay, a grocery store employee active in local protest movements, is running for city council to represent East Chattanooga, Eastdale, Glenwood, Missionary Ridge and Ridgedale.
If Kertay, 23, is successful during the March 4 municipal elections, she’ll be the first openly transgender person elected to the city council. She’ll face former city employee Ron Elliott and Letechia Ellis in an open-seat race. Demetrus Coonrod, who currently represents the district, is not seeking reelection.
“I’ve been a passionate community advocate since I was about 14,” Kertay said in a phone interview.
A Chattanooga native, she said she grew up in the Hilltop neighborhood and has lived in the area she seeks to represent for about two years.
(READ MORE: Ron Elliott announces council run)