Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride, a trailblazing transgender activist, is poised to make history. After winning her primary election on Tuesday, she is set to become the first transgender person elected to Congress if she wins the general election. McBride’s victory marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in American politics.
McBride, 33, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, securing the support of key figures in Delaware politics, including Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper, as well as Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. She has garnered widespread support, raising nearly $3 million in contributions from supporters across the country. Notably, McBride gained national attention in 2016 when she became the first openly transgender person to address a major party convention, speaking at the Democratic National Convention.
Her candidacy comes at a pivotal moment in the national conversation surrounding transgender rights and policies. In recent years, numerous Republican-led states have enacted legislation limiting or banning gender transition services for minors, citing concerns about long-term health impacts. These policies have sparked fierce debate and legal challenges, placing transgender rights at the forefront of American politics.
McBride, a vocal advocate for transgender rights, sees the legislative push against transgender policies as an example of “far-right” extremism. She has emphasized the importance of diverse representation in Congress, arguing that it is crucial for the functioning of American democracy. McBride will now face one of two candidates in the GOP primary in the race for Delaware’s House seat, which has been held by Democrats since 2010. President Biden won Delaware by 19 points in 2020, indicating a strong Democratic base in the state.
McBride’s historic campaign underscores the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and representation in American politics. Her potential election to Congress would mark a significant milestone in the fight for equality and inclusion.
