James Roesener

James Leon Roesener is an American politician who serves in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from the 22nd district in Merrimack County, as a member of the Democratic Party. He was the first openly transgender man elected to any state legislature in the United States.

Early life James Leon Roesener first learned what transgender meant at age 12. He attended high school within the Merrimack Valley.

Career In the 2022 election, Roesener ran for a seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from the 22nd district in Merrimack County with the Democratic nomination and defeated Republican nominee D. Soucy. Roesener was inspired to run after Roe v. Wade was overturned by Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization and in response to anti-LGBT legislation across the United States. His victory made his the first openly transgender man elected to a state legislature in the United States. He defeated Republican nominee Dennis Blankenbeker in the 2024 election.

During Roesener's tenure in the state house he has served on the Fish and Game committee.

Personal life Roesener is openly transgender and bisexual. He is married.

Political positions Roesener supports Medicaid coverage for abortions. In 2023, Roesener was among 14 transgender and non-binary legislators across the United States that signed a letter opposing changes to Title IX by President Joe Biden that would allow schools to ban individual athletes if they were believed to have a competitive advantage. He participated in a protest against the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2026.

Electoral history + Year Office Party Primary General Result . Total % . Total % . 2022 New Hampshire House of Representatives (Merrimack 22) Democratic 301 99.34% 1st 954 55.47% 1st 2024 New Hampshire House of Representatives (Merrimack 22) Democratic 432 99.54% 1st 2,231 55.76% 1st