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Kadin McElwain recently spoke with Konstantine Anthony, the first openly autistic mayor in the U.S., about his historic role, future plans, and the importance of representation in politics. As a Burbank City Council member since 2020, Konstantine shared insights from his journey and his advocacy for the autism community.
Konstantine became mayor of Burbank from 2022 to 2023 after a record-setting 2020 election, marking a milestone as the first autistic elected official. Diagnosed with autism he drew on his experiences with discrimination to fuel his work, including his role on the Burbank Advisory Council on Disabilities. Looking ahead, Konstantine, now in his second council term through 2028, plans to focus on housing justice and workers’ rights while continuing to support vulnerable residents through local initiatives.
For aspiring autistic politicians, he advised starting small, staying true to your values, and being open about your experiences to connect with voters. He also emphasized resilience, noting his own path included an unsuccessful 2017 run before his 2020 win. On representation, Konstantine stressed that autistic leaders ensure policies reflect real community needs and challenge stereotypes, inspiring others and fostering inclusivity in politics.
My conversation with Konstantine highlighted the power of autistic voices in leadership. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more from Autism Digest!
—Kadin McElwain, Autism Digest Contributor
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