Democratic candidate Sarah McBride has achieved a landmark victory in Delaware, becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the United States House of Representatives.
Edison Research confirmed her win on Tuesday in the state’s at-large congressional district, a traditionally Democratic stronghold. The 34-year-old’s ascent to Congress marks the latest in a series of pioneering achievements that have defined her political career. Prior to this historic win, McBride served as a state senator, having made history in 2020 as the first openly transgender person in that role.
Her groundbreaking trajectory includes becoming the first openly transgender White House intern during the Obama administration in 2012 and, four years later, the first transgender person to address a major party’s national convention. Despite the groundbreaking nature of her victory, McBride has maintained a steadfast focus on her legislative agenda and constituent services.
“Whenever you are first, you often have to try to be the best version that you can,” she reflected in a pre-election interview with Reuters, acknowledging the additional scrutiny that comes with breaking barriers. She emphasized that her primary obligation remains “being the best member of Congress that I can be for Delaware.”
In 2023 alone, legislators in 37 states introduced more than 142 bills seeking to restrict gender-affirming healthcare for transgender and gender-expansive individuals—nearly triple the number from the previous year. At the federal level, Republican lawmakers have consistently advanced legislation targeting transgender rights, including measures affecting healthcare access, sports participation, and public facility use. A native of Wilmington, Delaware, McBride’s personal journey includes coming out as transgender in 2011.
Her subsequent entry into politics was driven by a vision of creating a more inclusive society, leading to her passionate advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Her campaign platform emphasized broader issues affecting all constituents, including expanded healthcare access, support for working families, and advancement of equal rights. McBride’s message to young transgender Americans reads “Anyone who worries that the heart of this country is not big enough to love them should know that they belong … Our democracy is big enough for all of us.” .
As she transitions to her role in Congress, she faces the dual responsibility of representing all her constituents while potentially serving as a voice for transgender Americans in national policy discussions.
