Allison Montgomery has been elected to Alabama’s state legislature, becoming the state’s first openly transgender legislator.

Montgomery defeated Republican incumbent Phillip Rigsby, winning 53.2% of the vote to Rigsby’s 46.7% in District 25 of the Alabama House of Representatives.

Her victory comes amid Democratic gains in traditionally Republican territory during the midterm elections, in what some have described as a “blue tsunami”.

Taking to Instagram, the newly elected state representative said: “Let's focus on the most important part of this victory: we showed that a truly grassroots campaign that stands on its policies and its principles has a real shot in Alabama.

“We the people are tired of attempts to distract us with culture war issues, whether we’re in a minority group or not. We the people know corporate interests use these issues to pit us against one another while they pick our pockets.

“I'm going to work especially hard for those who hate me, because they deserve a better Alabama as much as anyone. And if you don't believe me – just watch :)”