Transgender Candidate Danica Roem Wins Democratic Primary; To Challenge Bob Marshall
- By
- On Top Magazine Staff
- | June 14, 2017
Transgender journalist Danica Roem will face Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall, a Republican from Prince William County, in the fall after winning her Democratic primary on Tuesday.
Roem beat three primary challengers to become the first out transgender candidate to win a state legislative primary in Virginia. If elected in November, Roem would become the first openly transgender person elected to the Virginia General Assembly.
The 32-year-old Roem beat out her primary rivals with 44.57 percent of the vote.
The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund endorsed Roem's campaign in April.
“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.”
Marshall, who is serving his 13th term, has a long history of opposing LGBT rights. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill that sought to prohibit transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice.
(Related: Del. Bob Marshall insists “sodomy is not a civil right” in explaining vote against gay judge.)