Sarah McBride Makes History As First Openly Transgender Member Of Congress
In a historic victory, Sarah McBride has made headlines as the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress. McBride, a Democrat, and former Delaware state senator, secured Delaware’s only House seat, defeating Republican John Whalen III with 57.8% of the vote, according to NBC News projections.
“We Judge Candidates on Ideas, Not Identities”
“Tonight is a testament to Delawareans that here in our state of neighbours, we judge candidates based on their ideas and not their identities,” McBride said at the Democratic celebration. She remembered her late husband, Andy Cray, who passed away in 2014, noting how hope matters most during difficult times.
Getting Things Done
As a state senator, McBride proved her ability to work across party lines. She helped pass universal paid family and medical leave in Delaware. Her congressional campaign focused on three main issues: affordable healthcare access, reproductive rights, and higher minimum wages.
Jake Carpenter, a finance professional who campaigned for McBride, shared his experience: “I asked her, ‘What have you promised, and how have you done it?’ She walked me through her policies, and she won me over.”
McBride’s political journey started early. In 2012, she came out as transgender while serving as student body president at American University. She then became the first openly transgender White House intern during the Obama administration.
In 2016, she made history speaking at the Democratic National Convention, and in 2020, she became America’s first openly transgender state senator.
Her memoir, Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, And The Fight For Trans Equality, includes a foreword by President Joe Biden, showing her deep connections to Delaware politics.
“No matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from, or the gender with which you identify, you can live your truth and dream big dreams all at the same time,” McBride said after voting. “It’s not the end, but it’s the beginning.”
This victory comes during a time of increased political tension, with Republicans spending over $200 million on anti-trans advertising in 2024. Despite these challenges, McBride’s win marks a significant step forward in American political history.
