Danica Roem

Danica Roem is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 13th district from 2018 until 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, Roem made history as the first openly transgender person elected to either house of the Virginia General Assembly and the first openly transgender individual to serve in a state legislature in the United States. Following her tenure in the House, she was elected to the Virginia Senate in 2023, further solidifying her role as a significant figure in Virginia politics and LGBTQ+ representation.

Early life and career

Danica Roem was born on September 30, 1984, in Prince William Hospital, located in Manassas, Virginia. She was raised in the same city by her parents, Marian and John Paul Roem. Tragically, her father passed away by suicide when she was just three years old, leaving her maternal grandfather, Anthony Oliveto, to take on a fatherly role in her life. Roem spent her formative years in Manassas, attending local schools for her education. She began her schooling at Loch Lomond Elementary School, where she studied from kindergarten through third grade. Following this, she continued her education at All Saints School for grades four through eight. Roem then attended Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia, before pursuing higher education at St. Bonaventure University in New York, where she focused on journalism.

During her time at St. Bonaventure University, Roem initially struggled academically, achieving a GPA of 1.1 in her first semester. However, she demonstrated resilience and improved her performance significantly by her second semester, raising her GPA to 3.48 and making the dean's list. Her professors recognized her tenacity and commitment to advocating for marginalized voices, traits that would later inform her political career. After completing her degree, Roem returned to Virginia, where she began her professional journey in journalism.

Roem's interest in journalism was sparked by her grandfather's influence, who emphasized the importance of reading newspapers. She embarked on a decade-long career in journalism, starting as a reporter for the Gainesville Times in Gainesville, Virginia, in 2006. Over the years, she served as the lead reporter for both the Gainesville Times and the Prince William Times. In August 2015, she transitioned to the role of news editor at the Montgomery County Sentinel in Rockville, Maryland, where she worked until December 2016. Her journalism career was marked by recognition from the Virginia Press Association, where she received multiple awards, including honors as the "Readers' Choice" for best local public servant.

Legislative service

Roem's entry into politics was motivated by her experiences and observations as a journalist, particularly regarding local policy issues. Her political aspirations were ignited in 2004, following President George W. Bush's proposal for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. This event prompted her to explore the workings of government and consider how she could effect change. In 2017, she was recruited by the local Democratic Party to run for the Virginia House of Delegates, specifically encouraged by Delegate Rip Sullivan, the recruiting chair for the Virginia House Democratic Caucus. Initially hesitant about running for office, Roem ultimately decided to pursue the opportunity.

In the 2017 election, Roem challenged incumbent Republican Bob Marshall, a 13-term delegate known for his opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. Marshall had previously sponsored legislation aimed at banning same-sex marriage and had been vocal about his views on transgender issues. Roem's campaign received endorsements from various organizations, including the Victory Fund, EMILY's List, Run for Something, Virginia's List, and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. She successfully raised approximately $500,000, significantly outpacing her opponent in fundraising efforts. Her campaign strategy included extensive grassroots outreach, with her team knocking on over 75,000 doors in a district with a voter base of 52,471.

Roem was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2017, officially taking office in January 2018. Her election was historic, as she became the first openly transgender person to serve in a state legislature in U.S. history. During her time in the House, she focused on various issues, including education, freedom of the press, LGBTQ+ rights, and workers' rights. Roem's background in journalism informed her legislative priorities, particularly her commitment to protecting freedom of the press. In 2020, she co-sponsored a bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of student journalists in public schools, responding to instances of censorship in school journalism.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Roem championed a range of policies that reflected her commitment to social justice and equality. One of her notable legislative efforts was the introduction of Virginia House Bill 2132, which sought to amend the Virginia constitution to eliminate the "gay panic defense." This bill passed both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam in February 2021. Roem's advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights extended beyond this legislation, as she consistently worked to advance policies that promote equality and protect marginalized communities.

In addition to her focus on LGBTQ+ rights, Roem also prioritized workers' rights during her time in the legislature. She sponsored a bill in 2025 aimed at repealing Virginia's ban on collective bargaining for public employees. Although the bill passed both the House and Senate, it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, highlighting the challenges faced by progressive legislation in the state.

Roem's district, Virginia's 13th House of Delegates district, encompasses parts of Prince William County, including the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. Her representation of this district was characterized by her commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents, particularly in areas related to education and local governance. Her experiences as a journalist allowed her to engage with community issues effectively, and she often emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of those she represented.

In summary, Danica Roem's career in public service has been marked by her groundbreaking achievements as an openly transgender legislator and her dedication to advocating for social justice, education, and workers' rights. Her journey from journalist to state legislator reflects her commitment to effecting change and representing the interests of her constituents in Virginia.