Bree Fram, the 23-year veteran who was forcibly separated from the military in December following the Trump administration’s purge of transgender service members, announced on Tuesday that she’ll be a candidate for the 11th District Congressional seat in Northern Virginia.

Fram was the highest-ranking trans service member when she was promoted to the rank of colonel in 2024.

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“Too many Americans are afraid of what their own government is doing to them, instead of confident it’s working for them. That’s why I’m running for Congress,” the candidate, age 46, said in her announcement.

“I will fight to make our Virginia communities more affordable, protect our rights, and build a government that actually works for you. I intend to deliver an accessible, inclusive American Dream, ensuring that Virginia remains diverse, safe and economically vibrant for all,” she added.

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Fram shared in June that she had been placed on administrative leave from the Space Force pending separation under the Defense Department’s new transgender ban, the second instituted by Trump in his two presidential terms.

She said she knew it was coming.

“It was like watching a hurricane form from far offshore, and you’re just wondering where exactly is it going to hit, how intense is it going to be,” she told WUSA after her announcement on Tuesday.

In March, Fram publicly criticized the ban in an interview with The New York Times, predicting the devastating toll on trans service members and the military, and making a pledge to “try and help thousands of other transgender service members navigate this incredibly complex and trying time that we’re living in.”

This week, Fram said that Trump’s executive order vilifies trans service members as “dishonorable, undisciplined liars who lacked the humility required for military service.”

“It was terrifying because I knew that there were thousands and thousands of trans people at that moment serving, doing their battlefield mission all around the world and here at home to keep Americans safe,” she said. “To have that come from this president to tell you you are not worthy of being on this team was devastating.”

“My experience of being pushed out is driving me to fight for an America that protects everyone’s dignity,” she said. “Every child out there should know that they are safe, seen, and celebrated.”

Fram remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice in retirement, she said, and acknowledged the Trump administration could bring charges against her for speaking out, as the Defense Department has with current members of Congress who served in the military and have criticized the administration publicly.

“Could I be brought up on charges that are absolutely made up and false? Absolutely,” Fram said. “Is that a concern? Yes. Will it stop me? No. This administration needs to be stood up to and called out at every moment that it lies and abuses its power.”

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