Trump’s transgender ban pushed her out of the military. Her Virginia community just elected her to lead

Last year, Sabrina Bruce was forced out of the Space Force under President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender service members. Now, voters in a Virginia town have put her in line to become their next vice mayor.

Bruce received the most votes among 12 candidates competing for six seats on the Herndon Town Council, according to Fairfax County news outlet FFXNow. As the top vote-getter, she is poised to become vice mayor on a council made up almost entirely of newcomers.

Bruce is the first out trans person elected to any office in Fairfax County.

A former Space Force master sergeant who also served in the Air Force, Bruce accepted what the Pentagon called “voluntary separation” under Trump’s transgender military ban. She then channeled her frustration into political engagement.

Bruce ran alongside three other progressive candidates, all of whom won council seats.

Related: This transgender Space Force veteran’s service didn’t end when Trump’s military pushed her out

“We aimed to deliver a Herndon that is easier to afford, easier to get around, and easier to trust. Voters have demanded change here in Herndon, and they are putting their trust in us to deliver that,” Bruce said in a statement to FFXNow. “I look forward to working with everyone to deliver that. Our government is of the people, by the people, and for the people. By working with every resident of town, that is how we will deliver.”

Her supporters included The Trans Vote and Run for Something, which helps first-time candidates run for office.

In an interview with The Advocate earlier this year, Bruce described feeling betrayed by the administration, particularly by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s insulting rhetoric about transgender troops.

“I’m willing to lay my life down for you,” she said. “And I expect you to stand up for me and take care of me and honor my commitment to you.”

Bruce drew inspiration in part from Virginia state Sen. Danica Roem, one of the nation’s most prominent transgender elected officials. She also briefly managed the congressional campaign of Bree Fram, a transgender veteran who withdrew after Virginia courts struck down a congressional map favorable to Democrats.

Bruce continued her own campaign, driven by a sense of responsibility to increase transgender representation in politics.

“If you’re not there standing on the forefront in whatever way you can,” Bruce said, “then you’re not doing your part.”