Colton Baumgartner: Trans candidate aims to make political history in Granite City

In Granite City, Illinois—about 300 miles southwest of Chicago—political history could be made next April.

Colton Baumgartner is running to lead the city. If she prevails, she would be the first transgender mayor in Illinois history. Recently, Baumgartner talked with Windy City Times about Granite City, queerness and her political platform.

NOTE: This conversation was edited for clarity and length.

Windy City Times: I’m not going to presume anything, so do you identify as Democrat, Republican, independent or something else?

Colton Baumgartner: I’m independent. Growing up in the ‘90s (I was born in ’89), I got a sense of how the government treated its people, progressing into the Bush administration. I feel that both sides are almost the same. It’s more or less about controlling the masses. And then you have the electoral college and gerrymandering. If it were up to me and I was president, I would get rid of that crap. This is a new age in America and everyone needs to be treated the same.

I’ve always been intrigued with politics because it is controlling me. In the ‘90s, there were issues with gay rights and people with AIDS. It was always telling me that I was not a good person, that they were not going to [honor] who I am. I just knew that one day I was going to try and do something, like I am now—especially for the community I love. 

WCT: I’ve never been to Granite City. How would you describe it?

CB: Granite City is such a beautiful town with such amazing history. This town was one of the leading producers of steel in America, so it has this great history in helping to [advance] this country—and it’s based off of innovation and opportunity. This town was created by the Niedringhaus brothers [William and Frederick], and they were from a family in St. Louis. [Granite City is technically within the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.] They were part of one of the industrial families there and they saw potential in this swampland—what this place was before. Also, they were going around smoke regulations; there were no rules here so they figured this is where money could be made.

So they created a company called Stoneware and it was basically graniteware—so it was kitchenware that was enameled. [Note: Granite was used in the process.] So that helped this town become what it is today. There is demand for workers to live here and prosper. 

Even though I’ve only lived here for about 10 years, I’ve chosen this town to be my forever home because of its people and history. 

WCT: So is the community pretty welcoming, or is it more conservative?

CB: That’s the thing. Whenever there’s a cultural change—especially now, with the LGBTQIA+ community having rights—people become a little more open-minded. Ever since moving here and getting to know people, I’ve never had backlash or trouble with people. It’s more like a neighborhood town: You have families coming in and they have a really great school system. What I’m trying to do is show people that it really is like any other town—but it’s open to change. 

The other thing is that the more knowledge I get about how this town has been managed, I find out it’s not great. There’s a problem with the accountability of the industries here, and the town almost became bankrupt because of previous predecessors who basically catered to their own pensions. So our current mayor [Michael Parkinson] sold our sewer system for $83 million to pay off the debt of these people who were looking out for their pensions. There was no accountability for the people living here today. So I feel like the more knowledge I’m getting, the more I feel I need to do something about it.

There was this act that was put in—the Crime Free Housing Ordinance—and the current mayor has been a part of that ever since it’s been put in. But the problem with that is that it’s going against people in poverty, minorities and people who didn’t have clients connected to them (but had family members who lived with them). They would voicemail messages from the mayor saying, “We’re going to kick you out.” I feel like I have to do something. The government right now—it’s not being transparent. And that’s the way it should be—transparent; we’re the people who got them elected into office and they’re servants of the people.

That’s why I love Bernie Sanders. I’ve loved his message from the very beginning. He’s been true to his word that the 1% is screwing the 99%. And the same thing is going on in this small town … but I’m not scared. [Laughs] I’m also an actress and an author, so I’m doing a lot; I’m not relying on them. And I’m a citizen just like these people who live here.

WCT: So many political candidates have said, “I’m not going to be corrupted” and “I’m not going to be part of the machine”—but then things happen, and they do. How can you be sure you won’t do that?

CB: Well, honestly, that’s just who I am, in general. I’ve always been my own rock. And I’m such an optimistic and nonpartisan type of person. Knowledge is everything; I can understand what’s happening on both sides and really understand what’s right. It’s really a common-sense thing, in essence. I would use power for good—for what I’m telling you right now. I was thinking of even giving myself a decrease in wages if I’m elected; it’s about utilizing what you have for the greater good.

WCT: You mentioned common sense, but you and I both know that it’s not common. [Both laugh.]

CB: Yes—and they’re letting a convicted felon run for president.

WCT: The Telegraph quoted you as saying that you’re not running against the mayor but with him. What does that mean?

CB: You know that, in America, there’s always been competition—look at what’s going on with the government. I do like what the mayor is doing now, although he should’ve done it when he first got elected. And I run with him about the vision of the people. We are friends; he’s a part of my documentary series, In Living History, that’s still being produced; it [focuses] on small towns and the people there. 

So, yes, I am running against him; after all, it’s politics and that’s how you play the game. But, in all honesty, I’m here with him. 

WCT: So Bernie Sanders is your political role model, it seems.

CB: [Smiles] Oh, yes; Bernie is the one who got me into the position because he has always shown that selflessness—and he even had people not old enough to vote following him. And I like [U.S. Rep.] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. And I like a lot of people who ran for president against Trump, like Pete Buttigieg and [Tulsi Gabbard]—back when she was running [in 2020]. So when you talk about people being corrupted, that is what’s happening with her.

There needs to be more transparency. But getting that message out to the people is important. Here I am—a modern American trans woman. I’m not a politician. Yes, I do have a passion for politics because I believe in our community and in our country. What I really want to see is the younger generation get involved in their community. There was only a 16% turnout in the last mayoral election in this community. We can do more with their vote—and everyone’s. 

WCT: Do you have political aspirations beyond being mayor?

CB: I feel like, in the future, I’d really enjoy helping the people out more with doing more. I thought this could be a path for me because of who I am. I can’t just stand back and not do anything about things. I know I have the ability and knowledge. I just want to use what I have for the greater good.

WCT: Asking you something I’ve asked various people, what is It like to be part of the LGBTQ+ community in today’s America?

CB: It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself but it also comes down to the fact that we’re all human. With that, anything we experience is something we experience together. This is true from the very beginning, when we were tribes—and we’re still tribes. We’re all in this together.

WCT: And, to summarize, why do you feel the people of Granite City should vote for you?

CB: Because they’re voting for themselves. They’re voting for the people and not for other interests. As you can see, I’m trans—and I’m as TRANSparent as you can get. [Laughs] It’s really about living with each other and knowing we have that voice to live a better life. It really just comes down to that—having your voice heard. I’m a great listener but I’m also someone who does.

The website “Colton Baumgartner for Granite City Mayor” is at https://www.coltonformayor.com/.