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In a monumental win that signals a shift in U.S. politics, Sarah McBride has been elected Delaware’s first transgender state senator, making history as the first openly transgender individual to hold such a position in U.S. Congress. McBride triumphed over Republican candidate John Whalen III in the 2024 U.S. elections, taking a major step toward greater LGBTQ+ representation at the state and national levels.
Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, McBride has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. From a young age, she was active in politics, volunteering for campaigns such as Beau Biden’s attorney general re-election. At just 21 years old, McBride made the courageous decision to publicly come out as a transgender woman, sharing her journey with the world through her university paper and on social media, becoming one of the first high-profile public figures to do so at that time.
Her career has been dedicated to advocating for the rights of transgender individuals, especially in her home state of Delaware. She played a pivotal role in helping pass anti-discrimination laws that protect transgender people. McBride later went on to become the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, where she worked on behalf of LGBTQ+ rights nationwide. She also made history as the first openly transgender woman to intern at the White House during the Obama-Biden administration in 2012, further solidifying her place in the political landscape.
McBride’s win in the 2024 Delaware elections marks another historical first in her already impressive career. In 2020, she became the first transgender woman to be elected to the Delaware Senate. In addition, McBride was the first openly transgender person to speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2016, further cementing her status as a trailblazer for both the LGBTQ+ community and the nation.
Her victory in the 2024 general election follows a strong primary showing, where she defeated three other Democratic candidates. McBride’s lead in the general election grew to over 20 percentage points at one point, showcasing her broad appeal and strong support within Delaware.
In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), McBride expressed her gratitude to Delaware voters, stating, “Thank you, Delaware! Because of your votes and your values, I am proud to be your next member of Congress.” She emphasized that her win was a reflection of Delaware’s commitment to progressive values, including reproductive freedom, paid family leave, affordable healthcare, and housing. She also reiterated her vision for a democracy that is inclusive and representative of all communities.
Throughout her campaign, McBride received widespread support from political leaders, including President Joe Biden, who publicly congratulated her following her primary victory. Current Delaware representative Lisa Blunt Rochester also endorsed her candidacy, further solidifying her legitimacy and appeal as a political leader.
Sarah McBride’s groundbreaking election victory is not only a testament to her dedication to public service but also a powerful message of progress and inclusivity in American politics. Her victory is a reminder that the political landscape is evolving, and as McBride herself has said, her candidacy represents the possibility of a more inclusive, representative future for the nation.