Bree Fram, a retired U.S. Space Force colonel who was forced out of military service under the Trump administration’s transgender ban, has announced a run for Congress in Northern Virginia.
Fram, a Democrat and 23-year military veteran, is seeking a seat in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. If elected, she would become the second openly transgender person to serve in Congress, following Sarah McBride of Delaware.
Fram retired from the U.S. Space Force in December 2025 after the administration of Donald Trump reinstated a ban on transgender people serving openly in the military. The policy resulted in the removal of transgender service members who had previously been allowed to serve under earlier administrations.
According to reporting by local and national outlets, Fram’s retirement was not voluntary. Despite decades of service, multiple overseas deployments, and senior leadership roles, she was required to leave the military as a direct result of the policy change.
In announcing her campaign, Fram said she is running because she believes many Americans no longer feel protected by their government. She cited concerns over civil rights, democratic institutions, and national security, framing her candidacy as a continuation of public service rather than a departure from it.
Fram lives in Reston, Virginia, and plans to run in whichever congressional district includes her residence once the state’s redistricting process is finalized. Under current maps, she would compete in the heavily Democratic 11th District, though boundary changes could place her in a neighboring district.
During her military career, Fram served in both the U.S. Air Force and the United States Space Force. She held positions at the Pentagon and worked on national security programs involving billions of dollars in federal spending. She was also among the early leaders involved in the formation of the Space Force.
Fram has received national recognition for her advocacy and leadership, including being named to Out magazine’s Out100 list of influential LGBTQ figures. She has been outspoken about the impact of the transgender military ban, arguing that it undermines military readiness and wastes experienced talent.
While Fram has acknowledged the historic nature of her candidacy, she has emphasized that her campaign platform extends beyond LGBTQ issues. She has highlighted priorities such as protecting democratic norms, expanding access to health care, supporting military families, and restoring trust in government institutions.
Early fundraising numbers suggest strong interest in her campaign. According to Metro Weekly, Fram raised more than $100,000 within the first day of her campaign announcement, drawing contributions from hundreds of donors nationwide.
Her entry into the race comes amid heightened political organizing by transgender candidates and allies following renewed federal restrictions affecting transgender Americans. Fram’s campaign places renewed attention on the real world consequences of policies that remove people from public service roles based on gender identity.
The primary election for Virginia’s congressional districts is scheduled for 2026.
