U.S. Military and Veterans in Politics

A retired U.S. Space Force colonel pushed out under President Trump’s transgender service ban and a three‑star Navy admiral removed in a leadership purge have each launched Democratic campaigns for the U.S. House, explicitly tying their runs to their ousters. Bree Fram, a 23‑year officer whose career ended in December, announced a bid in Northern Virginia and says she will run in whatever district covers her Reston home after court‑ordered redistricting; under current lines that’s VA‑11, held by Democratic Rep. James Walkinshaw. Fram’s launch video says Trump 'fired me, not because of my performance but because of who I am,' framing her candidacy as a defense of constitutional oaths and government that doesn’t target its own people. In South Carolina’s 1st District, former Navy Reserve chief and helicopter pilot Nancy Lacore, removed last August in a purge overseen by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, entered the crowded race to replace GOP Rep. Nancy Mace, saying she was taken out 'without cause' but is 'not done serving.' Their bids highlight how Trump’s military personnel decisions, including the transgender ban and senior-officer shake‑ups, are now feeding directly into the 2026 midterm landscape as former officers seek to challenge his agenda from Congress.