A quiet rebellion is taking shape, fueled by those once sworn to defend the nation. Two former military officers, casualties of policies enacted during a previous administration, have announced their candidacies for Congress – both as Democrats.
Bree Fram, a retired U.S. Space Force colonel, saw a 23-year career abruptly end when a ban on transgender service members was implemented. She wasn’t dismissed for performance, she asserts, but simply for who she is. Fram’s decision to run isn’t about dwelling on the past, but about restoring faith in a government she believes has lost its way.
“I’m not going to run away from my oath to the Constitution,” Fram declared. Her campaign centers on a simple premise: Americans should feel empowered by their government, not intimidated by it. She’s prepared to compete in Northern Virginia, adapting to the shifting landscape of the state’s congressional districts.
The political map of Virginia is currently being redrawn, a battleground in the larger struggle between parties. Fram intends to run in the district where she ultimately resides, aiming to represent a community she deeply understands. The current 11th Congressional District, a Democratic stronghold, recently saw a landslide special election victory.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, Nancy Lacore, a former three-star admiral with 35 years of naval service, has entered the race for the state’s 1st Congressional District. From helicopter pilot to chief of the Navy Reserve, a force of 60,000, her career was marked by dedication and leadership.
Lacore’s removal last August was part of a highly publicized leadership change orchestrated by a former official. She claims she was dismissed without cause, a jarring end to a lifetime of service. But for Lacore, this isn’t a conclusion, but a call to a new kind of duty.
“I still have more to give, more to fight for, more work to do – and I am not done serving,” Lacore stated. She’s stepping into a competitive field, challenging the incumbent Republican and aiming to flip a traditionally conservative district.
The race for South Carolina’s 1st District is considered crucial for Democrats hoping to build a lasting coalition. Supporters believe Lacore is uniquely positioned to win, representing a vital step towards a broader political shift in the region.
These candidacies represent more than just individual ambitions; they signal a growing wave of political engagement from those who feel marginalized by past policies. They are former leaders, now determined to lead in a different arena, driven by a sense of unfinished service and a commitment to a different future.
