Danica Roem, First Openly Transgender VA Lawmaker, Is Reelected

MANASSAS, VA — Danica Roem made history Tuesday night when she became the first openly transgender person to win reelection to a state legislature. Roem, a Democrat from Manassas representing Virginia's 13th House District, defeated Republican Kelly McGinn with 56 percent of the vote.

In 2017, Roem became the first openly trans elected official in Virginia by defeating longtime Republican Del. Robert Marshall, a 26-year fixture in the House of Delegates. She represents District 13, which is comprised of the greater Manassas area, Manassas Park, as well as portions of Prince William County including Haymarket and Gainesville.

LGBTQ advocacy groups praised Roem's reelection, calling it a historic moment.

On election night, Roem tweeted her gratitude to voters and constituents.

In addition to Roem's reelection, four other LGBTQ candidates, all Democrats, were reelected to the Virginia legislature — three in the House of Delegates, one in the Senate, the Advocate reports. Prior to the election, Roem was the target of a transphobic ad released just days before the election by Family Foundation Action, a right-wing group with ties to McGinn.

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