Danica Roem, a Democrat and three-term Virginia House of Delegates member, has secured a historic victory, becoming Virginia’s first openly transgender state senator. In a closely contested race, Roem clinched victory in Senate District 30, defeating Republican Bill Woolf with approximately 52% of the vote, as reported by various media outlets. This triumph not only solidifies her position as a trailblazer but also highlights her dedication to her constituents, including the northern Virginia cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, along with western Prince William County.
Roem’s decision to run for the Senate came after her previous House district was divided into three parts due to redistricting. Her election to the Senate establishes her as the nation’s second openly transgender state senator, following Sarah McBride in Delaware, while marking a significant milestone as the first in Virginia and any southern state. Throughout her campaign, Roem faced transphobic attacks from Republican opponents, including the distribution of transphobic fliers.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker commended Roem’s resilience in the face of unprecedented anti-trans hate during the campaign. Parker stated, “Danica faced an unprecedented deluge of anti-trans hate on the campaign trail, but she was not fazed nor distracted.” Roem’s victory underscores her unwavering commitment to addressing critical issues affecting Virginians, such as infrastructure improvements and ensuring that children and families have access to essential resources.
Danica Roem’s groundbreaking win resonates not only at the state level but also as a powerful message against bigotry and efforts to silence the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals. Her historic achievement is poised to garner national attention and inspire future advancements for LGBTQ+ representation in politics.