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Two former military officers, both removed under the Trump administration, have launched Democratic congressional campaigns this week, signaling a growing political response to controversial military policies enacted during President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Bree Fram, a retired U.S. Space Force colonel who was forced out of service under Trump’s reinstatement of the ban on transgender military members, announced her candidacy for Congress in Northern Virginia. Simultaneously, former three-star admiral Nancy Lacore declared her bid for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District after being removed from her position as chief of the Navy Reserve last August during a leadership purge led by War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“I served 23 years wearing the flag on my shoulder, reaching the rank of colonel. But then Donald Trump fired me, not because of my performance but because of who I am,” Fram stated in her campaign launch video. Her military career ended abruptly in December 2025, despite her extensive service record.
Fram emphasized her continued commitment to upholding her constitutional oath, stating, “I’m not going to run away from my oath to the Constitution.” She articulated that her congressional run stems from concern that “too many Americans are afraid of what the federal government will do to them instead of being confident of what it can do for them.”
The political landscape in Virginia remains in flux as the state is expected to redraw its congressional map ahead of the November midterm elections. This redistricting battle between Republicans and Democrats has significant implications for control of Congress. Fram has indicated she will run in whichever district encompasses her residence once new boundaries are established.
Currently, Fram’s hometown of Reston falls within Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, represented by Democratic Congressman James Walkinshaw. Walkinshaw, a former chief of staff to the late Representative Gerry Connolly, won a special election by a substantial margin following Connolly’s death from cancer in May.
In South Carolina, Lacore’s entry into the race adds another dimension to the contest for the open seat in the state’s 1st Congressional District. The 35-year military veteran, who served as a Navy helicopter pilot before rising to lead the 60,000-person Navy Reserve force, was removed from her position during Hegseth’s high-profile leadership purge.
“After decades of service to our country, a career that started as a Navy pilot and finished as a three-star admiral, I was removed from my position without cause,” Lacore claimed in her campaign announcement. She emphasized her continuing dedication to public service, stating, “I still have more to give, more to fight for, more work to do — and I am not done serving.”
The War Department has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Lacore’s claims about her removal.
Lacore joins a competitive field of candidates from both parties vying to succeed three-term Republican Representative Nancy Mace, who has opted to run for South Carolina governor rather than seek re-election. Democrats see an opportunity in this coastal congressional district in the state’s Lowcountry region, traditionally a Republican stronghold.
“The South Carolina First isn’t a District that Democrats can concede if we’re going to build a lasting and winning coalition, and Nancy is the only candidate in a position to win,” said Matt Corridoni, a spokesperson for The Bench, a Democratic organization focused on recruiting candidates in challenging districts.
These candidacies highlight the ripple effects of Trump’s military policies, as former officers removed from service seek to continue their public service through elected office. Their campaigns also reflect broader political tensions surrounding military personnel decisions and the increasing politicization of military service in an already divided political landscape.
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12 Comments
These candidates’ military credentials could resonate with voters, but they’ll also need to articulate a clear policy platform beyond just their service records.
I’m curious to see how their campaigns navigate the balance between military experience and broader political issues.
Interesting to see former military officers running for Congress as Democrats. I wonder if their campaigns will focus on military and defense issues or take a broader policy approach.
It will be intriguing to see how their military backgrounds influence their policy positions and appeal to voters.
The dismissals under Trump seem to have motivated these officers to get involved in politics. I wonder how their campaigns will address controversial military policies from that era.
It will be interesting to see if their military backgrounds give them an advantage in connecting with voters on defense and security issues.
It’s noteworthy that these candidates are framing their campaigns around upholding their constitutional oaths, even after being dismissed under Trump. This could resonate with voters.
Their military backgrounds and commitment to the Constitution could make them appealing candidates to a range of voters.
This signals a potential shift in the political landscape, with more military voices seeking elected office on the Democratic side. I’m curious to see if this trend continues.
Their candidacies could bring a unique perspective to Congress, blending military experience with Democratic ideals.
The decision to run as Democrats is intriguing, as it suggests a shift in political alignment for some former military officers. I wonder what factors led to this choice.
Their candidacies could bring a unique perspective to the Democratic party and the policy debates in Congress.