Virginia is witnessing a significant presence of openly LGBTQ candidates in its upcoming elections, showcasing the growing diversity and inclusion within the state’s political landscape. Among the prominent contenders is State Del. Danica Roem, who made history in 2018 as the first openly transgender person to serve in a state legislature in the United States. Roem, now vying for the Senate District 30 seat, is determined to break barriers once more by becoming Virginia’s first openly trans state senator.
In contrast to Roem’s inclusive agenda, her opponent, Republican Bill Woolf, has drawn attention for his support of a controversial bill that would compel school personnel to disclose the transgender status of students to their parents. The Republican Party of Virginia has actively promoted Woolf’s stance in campaign advertisements.
Roem remains steadfast in her commitment to diversity and acceptance, emphasizing that Virginia should be a place where everyone can thrive regardless of their background, appearance, faith, or whom they love. This sentiment resonates in a district known for its diversity, making it a central theme of her campaign.
Other LGBTQ candidates making their mark in Virginia include Senator Adam Ebbin and State Del. Mark Sickles, both openly gay and seeking re-election in their respective districts. Joshua Cole, who identifies as bisexual, is running against Republican Lee Peters in House District 65, and State Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler, who came out as bisexual last year, faces Republican Mike Karslake and independent Nicholas Olenik. Notably, State Del. Marcia “Cia” Price, a Black woman who identifies as pansexual, seeks re-election in House District 85.
Furthermore, various LGBTQ candidates, including Adele McClure, Laura Jane Cohen, Rozia Henson, Zach Coltrain, and Jade Harris, are making strides in their respective races. Their diverse backgrounds and orientations bring a fresh perspective to Virginia’s political landscape.
The stakes are high in these elections, as Republicans currently control the House by a narrow margin of 51-46, while Democrats hold a 21-19 majority in the state Senate. Advocates for LGBTQ rights are closely monitoring the outcomes, especially after Virginia’s Department of Education released contentious guidelines for trans and nonbinary students in July. Concerns persist that LGBTQ rights may be at risk if Republicans regain control of both houses of the General Assembly on November 7.
As Equality Virginia PAC Executive Director Narissa Rahaman stressed, “We must elect pro-equality champions who will secure and strengthen our freedoms. We have that chance as the eyes of the nation are on us this November.” Additionally, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed candidates like Fairfax County School Board Vice Chair Karl Frisch, Robyn Lady, and Kyle McDaniel, who bring diverse LGBTQ perspectives to local governance.
With Virginia’s elections gaining national attention, the inclusion and representation of LGBTQ candidates signify a significant step towards a more inclusive and diverse political landscape. The outcomes on November 7 will undoubtedly impact the state’s stance on LGBTQ rights and equality moving forward.