Virginia journalist Danica Roem has officially been nominated as the Democratic Party’s candidate for the 13th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. She’ll go up against noted Republican Bob Marshall in the Virginia general election. If Roem wins, she’ll become the first openly transgender state legislator to serve in the U.S.
Roem, who Vice’s Noisey describes as a “ball of kinetic energy, constantly gesticulating to prove a point,” has already made history as the first transgender woman to run for the Virginia House of Delegates. And her election chances look promising. Her district reportedly turned blue during the presidential election, voting for Hillary Clinton in 2016. And while incumbent Marshall has served 13 terms in the House of Delegates, his reputation for social conservatism and anti-LGBTQ politics may cost him the election in an area that’s increasingly concerned about the GOP’s stagnation.
https://www.facebook.com/danicafordelegate/photos/a.162548064228461.1073741828.160934281056506/249755408841059/?type=3&theater
By contrast, Roem is focusing on problems that directly concern her constituents: improving state infrastructure, fixing Virginia’s Route 28, and passing bills as an active delegate. Meanwhile, in a statement to the Washington Post, Marshall misgendered Roem and doubled down on his conservative values, hinting at a caustic road ahead to the general election.
But Roem is emboldened, and she thinks a win against Marshall would send a powerful message across the U.S. for transgender rights.
I'm proud to announce our people-powered campaign raised $39,360.07 from 1,135 donations between 4/1-6/1, an average donation of $34.68.
— Sen. Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) June 6, 2017
“Let me make this really clear for you: When the people of the 13th District elect a transgender woman to replace the most anti-LGBT legislator in the South, it will be an act of certainty, and it will be a defining moment that will resonate across the country,” Roem said.
H/T The Slot