Democrats in some of the reddest pockets of the interior West have nominated transgender women for Congress. They're sending a message of inclusivity in races many consider unwinnable for the party.
In Colorado, Misty Plowright won a primary to challenge Republican Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn in Colorado's most conservative congressional seat. In Utah, Misty Snow was nominated Tuesday to challenge GOP U.S. Sen. Mike Lee.
The seats are considered the deepest red. Utah hasn't elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1970, and Colorado's 5th Congressional District hasn't chosen a Democrat since the district was created in 1972.
Both candidates say their gender identities weren't major factors in their primary contests. Other Democrats say the nominations send a message that Democrats are a party of inclusion.