Transgender metal singer Danica Roem makes history again as she's re-elected in Virginia

Danica Roem
Danica Roem (Image credit: Julia Rendleman for The Washington Post - Getty)

Danica Roem has been re-elected to the Virginia House Of Delegates – making it the first time an openly transgender state official has done so.

Roem, the vocalist for Cab Ride Home, hit the headlines in November 2017 when she became the first openly transgender US state official, ousting Republican incumbent Bob Marshal – a sponsor of the notorious “bathroom bill” which dictates that people must use public bathrooms according to the gender on their birth certificate and not their current identity.

On Tuesday, Roem made history again by being re-elected, securing 57% of the vote ahead of her Republican opponent Kelly McGinn who took 43%.

Roem said: “To the people of the 13th District: Thank you so much for the confidence you've shown in my team and me by such an overwhelming margin. I'm grateful to represent you because of who you are – never despite it.”

In 2017, Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe congratulated Roem on her result, adding: “Danica is also a writer – award-winning journalist – and a singer in a melodic death metal band. 

“When was the last time you heard of a high-level elected official who was a raging Dark Tranquility fan? Or who could discuss Cannibal Corpse in any manner other than a potential court case?”

Cab Ride Home have released four albums since 2009, with their latest Crash The Gate arriving in 2017. 

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald newspapers, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.