Former Space Force Officer Runs for Congress in Virginia
Former Space Force Colonel Bree Frum, who is a transgender woman, announced her candidacy as a Democrat for a House seat in Northern Virginia. This follows her appointment under President Donald Trump’s executive order back in January 2025.
Frum, who identifies as female though she was assigned male at birth, stepped down from her position in the Space Force after being placed on leave due to regulations. Just a week into his second term, Trump enacted a policy stating, “A man’s assertion that he is a woman is inconsistent with the humility and selflessness required of a military member.” Frum is now set to challenge incumbent Democratic Representative James Walkinshaw in the upcoming Democratic primary this June.
She made her candidacy public on Tuesday, expressing on social media, while sporting pink nail polish, that “Donald Trump fired me not because of my performance, but because of who I am.” Frum has not yet replied to requests for further comments.
In her announcement, she mentioned that many Virginians fear government actions rather than feeling assured that the government is working for them. “I’m running for Congress to protect our rights, provide affordable opportunities, and build a government that works for the people,” she tweeted.
Frum emphasized that her identity isn’t the sole focus of her campaign. In an interview, she made it clear, “I am running on a platform that values service and character, and that protects our fundamental rights, especially freedom of speech and assembly. Our democracy is currently under great threat.” She also spoke about her personal experience of being removed from service, stating it motivates her to advocate for an America that ensures the dignity of all individuals. “Every child needs to know they are safe, seen, and celebrated,” she added.
If she wins, Frum would become the second transgender person to hold a position in Congress, following Democratic Congresswoman Sarah McBride of Delaware, who made history as the first in January 2025.
Frum recently discussed the importance of inclusion at Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Summit 2023, asserting that “inclusion is a national security imperative.”
