A Virginia politician made history Tuesday night, becoming the first openly transgender person to be elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. Danica Roem, 32, defeated Republican incumbent Robert Marshall in the 13th District.
BREAKING: Danica Roem (D) has defeated 26-year Del. Bob Marshall (R) in #HD13, becoming the first transgender person elected to VA's state legislature.
— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) November 8, 2017
This one's over, folks. Danica Roem becomes the 1st transgender delegate in VA history, trounces opponent who refused to debate or call her "she." pic.twitter.com/jE6q7iReUI
— Joshua Green (@JoshuaGreen) November 8, 2017
Roem, a journalist, won a surprise victory in the Democratic primary in June. She took on the ultra-conservative Marshall, who has been in office for more than 20 years and who has taken anti-LGBTQ stances. For instance, he proposed the state’s (ultimately failed) “bathroom bill” that would have required transgender people to use the public restroom that corresponds with the sex on their birth certificate.
Roem overcame her opponent’s brutal personal attacks, making her historic victory extra sweet. And it’s adding to what’s looking like powerhouse Democratic showing in the state with Ralph Northam’s win over Ed Gillespie.
Correction: This article originally mischaracterized Roem’s victory. She is the first openly transgender woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.