Chelsea Manning, the former military intelligence soldier who had been jailed for leaking classified information, has filed to run for a US Senate seat in Maryland according to federal election filings. Manning intends to run as a Democratic candidate and will first have to secure the party’s nomination through a primary race.
In 2013, Manning leaked approximately 750,000 classified documents to Wikileaks.
Manning would have to defeat Democrat Ben Cardin, the sitting Democrat senator from Maryland. Cardin has served for two terms and is an overwhelming favorite to win a third. Cardin is the highest-ranked Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Manning would face a tough primary challenge, with the election set for June. However, her national name recognition could provide momentum.
Chelsea a Hero to Some, a Traitor to Others
Manning had previously been found guilty of violations under the Espionage Act. In 2013, Manning leaked approximately 750,000 classified documents to Wikileaks. He had been serving in the military as a private, first class. Currently, Chelsea Manning is an unpaid soldier on excessive leave. She has appealed her sentence and is facing a dishonorable discharge. Should she be discharged, she will lose all benefits.
In 2013, Manning leaked approximately 750,000 classified documents to Wikileaks.
Manning was sentenced to 35 years in jail for leaking sensitive data. However, former President Barack Obama commuted the sentence to 7 years. Manning was released from jail on May 17, 2017. Manning had been sentenced on August 21st, 2013.
Manning has drawn support from some circles and condemnation from others. Supporters believe that Manning shed light on government misdeeds, while critics have simply labeled her a traitor for releasing classified documents. President Donald Trump has previously made it clear that he belongs to the latter camp:
Ungrateful TRAITOR Chelsea Manning, who should never have been released from prison, is now calling President Obama a weak leader. Terrible!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2017
Chelsea Manning Sex Change a Source of Controversy
Chelsea Manning announced that she was changing sexes the day after her sentence. Chelsea had been born male and previously went by the name Bradley Manning. Her condition has been identified as gender dysphoria, which occurs when someone does not identify with their birth sex.
This condition was confirmed by two military specialists. The military provided hormone treatment while Chelsea was in jail. She was also allowed to wear female undergarments and to legally change her name. However, Chelsea was still identified as a male on paperwork.
Following the outcome of her appeal of dishonorable discharge, Chelsea may be eligible for military-paid gender reassignment surgery. President Donald Trump had previously attempted to block transgendered individuals from serving in the military. This would also block them from receiving military-paid reassignment surgery as well. However, a federal court struck this ban down.
This past November, the Department of Defense approved and paid for a gender reassignment surgery for an active duty service member. Because the military lacks the expertise to conduct such surgeries at its own hospitals, the soldier was sent to a private hospital.
It remains unclear what Chelsea Manning will do if the military will not pay for gender reassignment surgery. It costs between $125,000 to $150,000 to undergo a gender transition surgery.
