Amy Heutmaker has been sworn into office after winning a seat on the Russell Township Board of Trustees in Geauga County, Ohio. Following a campaign marked by online harassment, Heutmaker persevered and secured her position, potentially making her the first transgender elected official in Ohio for a municipal government election. She joins Arienne Childrey, who was appointed to the St. Marys City Council, as one of the few transgender individuals to hold such positions in the state.

During the November 4 general election, voters in Russell Township cast over 800 ballots in favor of Heutmaker, a 53-year-old licensed mental health counselor. Heutmaker aims to address the political divide in her community, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face conversations among residents.

Heutmaker relocated to Russell Township in 2024 from Rochester, New York, to join her wife. The township is characterized by its green spaces and residential properties, but it also faces challenges such as vacant and blighted properties. Heutmaker highlighted these issues during her campaign, along with advocating for a more transparent local government and potential property tax relief.

Initially hesitant to run for office, Heutmaker was motivated by the retirement of a long-serving trustee and the realization that she could be a voice for change. Although she did not focus her campaign on LGBTQ+ issues, she expressed a desire to support the queer community in her role.

Heutmaker faced significant online harassment, including threats, which led her to consider withdrawing from the race. However, encouragement from her father and a surge in campaign interest following the harassment prompted her to continue. She noted that the incident increased traffic to her campaign website, indicating a heightened public interest.

With her election victory, Heutmaker hopes to foster dialogue among community members and reduce divisive rhetoric. She believes that personal connections can lead to more constructive interactions, even with those who hold differing political views. Heutmaker's success in a conservative area as an LGBTQ+ candidate is seen as a significant step toward greater representation of diverse communities in local government, particularly as the LGBTQ+ population continues to grow among younger generations.