Rachel Levine Becomes First Openly Trans Person to Win Senate Confirmation

Rachel Levine testifies during a Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 25.

Photographer: Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call Group
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(AP) -- Voting mostly along party lines, the U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be the nation’s assistant secretary of health. She is the first openly transgender federal official to win Senate confirmation.

The final vote was 52-48. Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine joined all Democrats in supporting Levine.