Sarah McBride is on the verge of making history as the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives if elected.
During a campaign stop at Delaware State University, McBride expressed pride in her candidacy, saying, “It is a testament to Delawarians that the candidacy of someone like me is even possible.“
McBride first gained attention during the pandemic when she became the first trans person elected to a state senate seat in Delaware. Now, at age 34, she’s running for Congress, but her focus is not on her identity.
Instead, McBride is prioritizing affordable childcare, healthcare, paid family leave, and reproductive rights. “I think folks know I am invested in equality as an LGBTQ person” she explained, “but my priorities are the issues that matter to everyone.“
Her Republican opponent, John Whalen III, a former Delaware State Police officer, is focusing on stopping illegal immigration and reducing federal debt.
When asked about McBride’s identity as a trans woman, Whalen dismissed its importance, saying, “There’s more important things than that.“
Professor Danna Young, from the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication, supports the idea that voters are more focused on larger issues.
She also notes that attitudes toward transgender candidates have evolved, particularly with someone like McBride, who is already well-known to Delaware voters.
McBride’s personal story has touched many. She met her late husband, Andrew Cray, a trans man, at a White House event during the Obama administration.
Sadly, Cray passed away from cancer just four days after their wedding. Professor Young believes McBride’s experiences have made her stronger: “She’s tough. I do not worry about her ability to take whatever attacks come her way at the national level.“
Meanwhile, on the national stage, transgender issues have become a focal point, with Republican candidate Donald Trump making controversial claims, such as falsely stating that children are undergoing surgeries without parental consent.
McBride is unfazed by Trump’s comments, remarking, “I wouldn’t be the first person in Congress to be part of a community that Donald Trump has said outrageous things about.“
When asked about working with Congress members who oppose trans rights, McBride acknowledged that some hardline critics are unlikely to collaborate with any Democrat. However, she remains hopeful about building bridges with others willing to engage across party lines.
Recent polls from the University of Delaware show McBride leading her opponent by more than 20 points in this Democratic-leaning state. If elected, she believes she won’t be the last transgender person in Congress.
McBride emphasized the power of personal connection, stating, “Throughout history, the power of proximity has opened even the most closed of hearts and minds. I still believe the most fundamental human emotion is empathy.“
McBride’s candidacy is not just a milestone for the LGBTQ+ community but also reflects a broader political shift, where voters are focusing more on policies than identity.
