First Openly Transgender Candidate is Elected as Virginia Delegate
- Updated Nov 08, 2017
Yesterday’s election in Virginia marked the first time a transgender individual has won a state legislature seat.
According to MSN.com, Virginia House of Delegates Democratic candidate Danica Roem defeated Republican Robert Marshall for a seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates for the 13th District.
As ChristianHeadlines.com previously reported, Roem’s win comes amidst a widespread political win for Democrats in the state of Virginia, including the victory of Democratic Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam.
Roem was formerly a reporter for the Gainesville Times as well as the Prince William Times. Her opponent, Marshall, had been in the state legislature since 1992.
Viginia House Democratic Caucus Leader David J. Toscano and Caucus Chairwoman Charniele Herring praised Roem’s credentials:
"Danica will bring a reporter's eye to Richmond, and we eagerly anticipate her results-oriented approach to deliver for her constituents in the 13th," Toscano and Herring said in a statement.
"As a journalist, Danica Roem has covered the issues critical to Virginians and listened to a wide range of perspectives. During her campaign, Danica expanded this approach by listening to area residents' concerns and making them integral to her own policy platform," they added.
LGBTQ supporters celebrated Roem’s victory as well. Chad Griffin, the Human Rights Campaign said in a statement, "HRC was proud to mobilize voters to support Danica Roem's trailblazing candidacy, and we look forward to working with her to help continue moving equality forward in Virginia.”
Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/nito100
Publication date: November 8, 2017
