Democrat Danica Roem.

Democrat Danica Roem.

Photo: Courtesy Victory Fund

Danica Roem has achieved a milestone victory in the Virginia District 13 election.

Unseating anti-LGBTQ Delegate Bob Marshall, Roem's electoral victory will make her Virginia's first out transgender public official and the nation's only out transgender state representative.

“Danica Roem’s historic victory is a clear warning to anti-equality lawmakers across the country that the days of attacking LGBTQ people to scare up votes are over,” said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “HRC was proud to mobilize voters to support Danica Roem’s trailblazing candidacy, and we look forward to working with her to help continue moving equality forward in Virginia.”

 

“Danica’s victory tonight is not only a victory for transgender Virginians, but for transgender Americans as well,” said Equality Virginia executive director James Parish. “Our great Commonwealth has had many significant electoral firsts, and it’s no surprise the diverse and welcoming citizens of Prince William County have chosen to elect the first transgender candidate to any state’s legislative body. Roem ran a smart, issues-driven campaign focused on improving the lives of her neighbors; a campaign that ran counter to her opponent’s divisive and transphobic rhetoric."

"I, along with Equality Virginia’s staff and board, send our heartfelt congratulations to Danica, and we look forward to working with her at the General Assembly to pass protections for gay and transgender Virginians.”

Equality Virginia and HRC worked aggressively in the commonwealth to get out the vote for Danica Roem.

Roem also received substantial support from Milwaukee, where Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, a Democrat, contributed $115,000 to Roem’s candidacy. 

At the time, Abele said, “She’s running because she’s an active citizen, and she cares and she’ll make a difference. That said, she’ll also set a precedent and make it safer for a lot of other candidates to run.”

Election Day in Virginia brought victories for Ralph Northam, Justin Fairfax and Mark Herring — all HRC-endorsed candidates.

“By electing Ralph Northam for governor, Justin Fairfax for lieutenant governor and Mark Herring for attorney general, Virginia voters have resoundingly rejected Donald Trump’s and Mike Pence’s politics of hate and fear,” said Griffin. “HRC was proud to endorse these pro-equality candidates who are committed to moving Virginia forward as a welcoming and inclusive place.”

Transgender candidate takes on culture warrior in Virginia

 

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