Sarah McBride has carved out her name in the history books as the first openly transgender person elected to the United States Congress. With confetti raining down around her as she celebrated her monumental victory on election night, the 34-year-old state senator from Delaware highlighted the significance of her electoral win, emphasizing the hope it provides to many, especially young individuals searching for their place within the democratic fabric of the nation.
McBride emerged victorious against Republican candidate John Whalen III, securing Delaware's only House seat previously held by Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester, who also has her own historical distinction as the first Black woman to represent Delaware in the U.S. Senate. McBride’s candidacy was rooted not just in making history but rather addressing deep-seated issues affecting her constituents, pledging to work on affordable health care, housing, and child care, among others.
Expressing her gratitude, McBride tweeted, "Thank you, Delaware! Because of your votes and your values, I am proud to be your next member of Congress." During her campaign, she reiterated, “I think folks know I am personally invested in equality as an LGBTQ person. But my priorities are about working on the issues our communities face as ordinary residents.”
A true advocate for change, McBride began her political career over a decade ago, working on campaigns, including one for Joe Biden’s late son Beau’s run for Delaware Attorney General. She gained prominence and respect when she fought against gender discrimination in Delaware back in 2013, earning the backing from then-lieutenant governor, Beau Biden. McBride has not just been about personal milestones; she has been influential behind the scenes, credited with shaping President Biden’s support for LGBTQ rights.
Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, and coming out as transgender at 21, McBride has understood the power of representation and advocacy firsthand. She shares her story openly, having experienced personal loss with the passing of her husband, Andrew Cray, just days after their marriage. This combination of personal and public struggles has propelled McBride toward her political goals—to create policies and advocacy initiatives aimed at nurturing and protecting the rights of all individuals.
Having made history multiple times before, McBride has taken on roles which marked firsts, such as being the first transgender person to intern at the White House and to speak at the national convention of a political party. Yet, she remains particularly focused on the responsibilities her position entails, addressing challenges directly relevant to her community. "The story of our country is about taking our biggest challenges and turning them to significant steps forward," she stated.
McBride's approach to representing her constituents reflects her history of advocacy, promising to contribute positively to issues affecting their daily lives instead of merely being the “first” on Capitol Hill. She expressed her readiness to tackle challenges, particularly with the upcoming second term of President Trump, who has been vocal and adamant against issues relevant to the LGBTQ community. The Trump administration previously pushed forward with initiatives aimed at reversing transgender rights and creating division around topics like gender-affirming care.
She acknowledged the political hostility transgender issues face nationally, noting, "I wouldn’t be the first person to be part of the community which Donald Trump has made comments about… His accusations about our community are false and dangerous." McBride aims to build coalitions across party lines, asserting she welcomes the opportunity to discuss and address challenges with anyone willing, emphasizing, “We can work together as Delawareans and as Americans to build the kind of country we all deserve.”
This historic election has drawn significant attention to the conditions and challenges transgender individuals face, particularly within the political arena. Since 2023, legislators across numerous states have introduced over 142 bills aimed at restricting healthcare for transgender individuals, more than double the previous year. This onslaught of legislation has underscored the urgency for representation from individuals like McBride, who personally understands the stakes involved.
McBride's electoral history is not just about policy; it’s about shifting perceptions and sparking real change within the legislative system. Having already impacted policy as Delaware's state senator, she has shown resilience and capability to enact meaningful legislation. Her win is viewed as more than just personal success; it shines as proof of the collective potential to affect legislative change, and it breathes hope for future generations across the spectrum.
Looking toward the future, McBride has made it clear: her aim is to serve as the best representative possible for her state, holding true to her lines of communication with constituents and emphasizing the drive toward inclusivity and equity for all. She hopes her success and visibility act as encouragement for other young people to pursue their ambitions within the political domain, reinforcing the belief, "Our country and democracy are big enough for everyone." The stakes are high, and McBride’s election not only breaks barriers but also reinforces the need for voices like hers amid the political dialogue surrounding LGBTQ rights.
With her new role as Congresswoman, McBride now holds the responsibility to bridge the gaps of representation, particularly for those who often feel forgotten or marginalized. Her motto has always been to be there for the people of Delaware and beyond, fighting for the issues pressing on their lives rather than sidelining the work behind her identity. She stands as living testimony to the idea of democracy being inclusive and striving for the fullness of representation. Her history-making win underlines the optimism surrounding broader change within the political spectrum and affirms the idea: representation matters.
