Bree Fram, a retired astronautical engineer and former Space Force colonel dismissed under the Trump administration’s transgender military ban, has launched a powerful political comeback — and it’s already gaining major traction.
Less than 24 hours after announcing her campaign to represent Virginia in the U.S. Congress, Fram raised over $102,000 from more than 400 donors across 46 states, according to MetroWeekly. Her rapid fundraising success signals strong national support for her platform of restoring democratic freedoms and protecting civil rights.
“Too many Americans are afraid of what their own government is doing to them, instead of being confident in what it can do for them,” Fram said in a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday (20 January).
“That’s why I’m running for Congress.”
From Space Force to the Campaign Trail
Fram, 46, is a former U.S. Air Force and Space Force officer with a decorated 23-year military career, including deployments to Iraq and Qatar during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She made history in 2016 as the first trans woman to reach the rank of colonel.
But in June 2025, she was removed from active duty following the Trump administration’s executive order banning transgender personnel from serving in the military. Fram is believed to be the highest-ranking trans officer dismissed under the policy.
Despite being ejected from service, she has remained a prominent voice in national discussions on military inclusion and LGBTQ+ rights.
A Platform Beyond Identity
In interviews following her announcement, Fram has been clear: her campaign is not solely about identity.
“This isn’t a campaign about being trans,” she told InsideNoVa.
“This is a campaign about defending Americans’ basic rights — particularly freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.”
She reiterated this message in a statement thanking donors for helping her “turn the page on chaos, vengeance, and attacks on personal freedom.”
In a conversation with The Advocate, she called on voters to confront what she views as a serious erosion of democratic norms under Donald Trump.
“No matter what rock we might look under, you can find something this administration has done that is worthy of not only an investigation but being held accountable,” she said.
“Trump has failed to faithfully execute the laws of the United States.”
A Vision for the Future
As a mother of two and committed public servant, Fram says her campaign is focused on protecting everyday Americans — through investment in Social Security, disease prevention, housing, and basic civil liberties.
“This is the calling,” she said.
“If we don’t stand up now, we might not have anything to stand up for in the future.”
Fram’s rapid fundraising success and powerful message signal a bold new chapter in her public life — and possibly, a history-making run toward the halls of Congress.
