Bowers becomes first LGBTQ Lincoln City Council Chair

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Lincoln City Council elected James Michael Bowers as the chair of the council, making Bowers the first LGBTQ person to serve in the position.

“James earned the council chair position by leading on issues important to his community, including his efforts to fight the pandemic," said Annise Parker, President and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund.

“In just two years, Lincoln went from having never elected an out LGBTQ city councilmember to now having strong LGBTQ representation and an LGBTQ chair. The rapid progress is certain to inspire more LGBTQ people to run, not just in Lincoln, but throughout the state."

There are currently just nine openly LGBTQ elected officials in Nebraska. Bowers was elected to the Lincoln City Council in 2019, becoming the first in the city. Sändra Washington and Tom Beckius joined Bowers this year, garnering the top two vote totals in a race for three open council seats.

Bowers has recently announced his intentions to run for the Nebraska Legislature, aiming to replace term-limited Adam Morfeld in Lincoln's District 46.