Danica Roem

Danica Roem is an American journalist and politician currently serving as a member of the Virginia State Senate, representing the 30th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Roem has made history as the first openly transgender person elected to both chambers of a state legislature in the United States. She previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2018 to 2024, where she gained recognition for her advocacy on various issues, including LGBTQ rights, education, and workers' rights.

Early life and career

Danica Roem was born on September 30, 1984, at Prince William Hospital in Virginia. She was raised in Manassas, Virginia, by her parents, Marian and John Paul Roem. Tragically, her father passed away when she was just three years old, leading her maternal grandfather, Anthony Oliveto, to take on a significant role in her upbringing. Roem spent her formative years in Manassas and attended local schools, beginning her education at Loch Lomond Elementary School for grades K-3. She continued her education at All Saints School for grades 4-8 and later attended Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia.

Following her high school education, Roem pursued a degree in journalism at St. Bonaventure University in New York. Her early academic performance was challenging; she recorded a low GPA in her first semester as she focused more on music than her studies. However, she demonstrated resilience and improved her academic standing significantly by her second semester, achieving a GPA of 3.48 and earning a spot on the dean's list. Her professors recognized her tenacity and commitment to advocating for marginalized voices.

Roem's interest in journalism was influenced by her grandfather's emphasis on the importance of reading newspapers. After graduating from St. Bonaventure University, she began her career in journalism, which spanned over a decade. Her first position was at the Gainesville Times in Virginia, where she served as a lead reporter. She later worked as a news editor at the Montgomery County Sentinel in Maryland until December 2016. Throughout her journalism career, Roem received several accolades from the Virginia Press Association, including recognition as a "Readers' Choice" for best local public servant multiple times. Her background in journalism provided her with a solid foundation in understanding local policy issues, which would later inform her political career.

Legislative service

Roem's entry into politics was catalyzed by her growing interest in government operations and her desire to effect change, particularly following President George W. Bush's proposal in 2004 to amend the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. In 2017, she was encouraged by her local Democratic Party to run for the Virginia House of Delegates. Despite being a first-time candidate, Roem successfully challenged Republican incumbent Bob Marshall, who had served for 13 terms and was known for his opposition to LGBTQ rights.

Roem's campaign was notable for its grassroots approach, which included knocking on over 75,000 doors in a district with approximately 52,471 voters. She garnered significant support from various organizations, including the Victory Fund, EMILY's List, and Virginia's List, and raised substantial campaign funds, largely from LGBTQ+ supporters. Her victory in the 2017 election marked a historic moment, as she became the first openly transgender person elected to any state legislature in the United States when she was sworn in in January 2018.

After serving in the Virginia House of Delegates for six years, Roem transitioned to the Virginia State Senate in 2024, further solidifying her place in history as the first openly transgender person elected to a state senate in the Southern United States. Her swearing-in in January 2024 made her the first openly transgender individual to serve in both chambers of a state legislature.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Roem has focused on a variety of policy issues, reflecting her commitment to social justice, education, and workers' rights. One of her notable positions is her opposition to legislation that would require schools to inform parents if their child identifies as a gender different from their assigned sex. This stance aligns with her advocacy for LGBTQ rights and the protection of individual identities.

In 2020, Roem co-sponsored a bill aimed at safeguarding freedom of the press, particularly for student journalists in public schools. This legislation sought to prevent school administrations from censoring student journalism, a response to previous instances of censorship that had occurred under existing legal frameworks. Although similar bills had been introduced in prior legislative sessions, Roem's efforts highlighted her commitment to protecting free speech and the rights of young journalists.

Roem has also championed LGBTQ rights through her legislative initiatives. She was the primary sponsor of a bill that sought to amend the Virginia constitution to eliminate the "gay panic defense," a legal strategy that had been used to justify violence against LGBTQ individuals. This bill successfully passed both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate, ultimately being signed into law.

In addition to her advocacy for LGBTQ rights, Roem has been involved in efforts to improve workers' rights. She sponsored legislation aimed at repealing Virginia's ban on collective bargaining for public employees. Although this bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly, it was ultimately vetoed by the governor, demonstrating the challenges faced in advancing certain policy initiatives.

Roem represents the 30th district, which encompasses parts of Prince William County, including the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. Her deep roots in the community, combined with her professional background and personal experiences, have shaped her approach to governance and her commitment to serving her constituents. As a legislator, Roem continues to advocate for policies that reflect her values and the needs of the diverse communities within her district.