Yesterday Danica Roem beat three Democratic primary challengers to become the first out transgender candidate to win a state legislative primary in Virginia, and taking her one-step closer to becoming the only out trans state legislator in the entire nation. As the Democratic party representative in the District 13 Virginia House of Delegates race, she will challenge incumbent Bob Marshall, a champion of anti-LGBTQ issues and the self-described “chief homophobe” of the state legislature. Victory Fund endorsed Danica as a Spotlight Candidate in April and provided extensive campaign and fundraising support throughout the primary.
“Danica Roem is a leader in a national movement of trans candidates who are determined to become a voice for their community in the halls of power,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of Victory Fund. “This historic primary win sets up a general election battle where voters will choose between ‘Bigot Bob’ Marshall – the most anti-LGBTQ member of the Virginia state legislature – or Danica, a proud trans woman who is committed to representing all people in her district. I am confident voters will choose leadership over divisiveness and make Danica the first out trans candidate to win and serve in a state legislature.”
Victory Fund endorsed Danica as a Spotlight Candidate in April and worked closely with the campaign throughout the primary. Today, ten Victory Fund staff members and supporters were at polls in District 13 to discuss Danica’s positions and persuade voters to support her candidacy. Danica will remain a priority candidate for Victory Fund throughout the 2017 election cycle.
“Over the next five months, Victory Fund will work to make 2017 the year of the trans candidate – by supporting Danica and the unprecedented number of out trans candidates across the nation,” continued Moodie-Mills. “Our team will provide campaign and fundraising support, build visibility and knock on doors for our candidates. Trans elected leaders are the antidote to the anti-trans legislation and policies proposed at all levels of government – so we must elect more of them.”
