Former Military Officials Enter Congressional Race
Two generals, removed from their military roles during President Donald Trump’s initial year in office, have kicked off their campaigns for Congress as Democrats this week.
One of them, a former Space Force colonel who was forced to retire because of the Trump administration’s ban on transgender individuals in the military, has announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives in Northern Virginia. Meanwhile, a high-ranking Navy official, dismissed from his position by Army Secretary Pete Hegseth last year, is now running for a congressional seat in South Carolina.
These candidacies signal a mounting political pushback against military policies from the Trump era, as retired officers look to regain a voice in public life through Congress.
Legal Victory for the Department of Defense in Transgender Ban Case
Bree Frum, whose military career came to an abrupt end in December, expressed his commitment by stating, “I will not walk away from my oath to the Constitution.” He pointed out that his 23 years of service, culminating in the rank of colonel, were overlooked when he was let go. Frum emphasized that he was terminated not for his achievements, but for who he is in a video announcing his campaign.
Frum is motivated to run for Congress due to the fear many Americans have regarding government actions. He believes people should feel more assured about what the government can provide for them—rather than fearing it.
As Virginia readies to redraw its congressional boundaries ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, Frum is planning to run from his home district once the new maps are finalized. His home in Reston, Virginia, is currently in the 11th Congressional District, represented by Democratic Rep. James Walkinshaw, who secured a decisive win in a special election last year following the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly.
Former Admiral Joins Race in South Carolina
In South Carolina, former three-star Admiral Nancy Lacore has entered the race for the open seat in the state’s 1st Congressional District. Lacore, a decorated veteran who served as a Navy helicopter pilot and held the position of chief of the Navy Reserve, was dismissed last August amid a notable leadership overhaul instigated by Hegseth.
“After decades of service, including rising to the rank of three-star admiral, I was removed for no apparent reason,” Lacore stated in her campaign announcement. She stressed her desire to continue serving, asserting, “I still have much to give, much to fight for, much more work to do.”
The Department of the Army has yet to respond to Lacore’s allegations.
Lacore enters a competitive race, with both Democrats and Republicans vying to fill the position left vacant by three-term Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who is now campaigning for governor.
Aiming for a Democratic Flip in a Conservative District
In South Carolina’s coastal district, there’s a significant effort among Democrats to shift the balance of power. A spokesperson for the pro-Democratic group The Bench pointed out that South Carolina First is a district where Democrats must not compromise if they’re to establish a sustainable coalition.
