Historic Win: Sarah McBride Becomes First Openly Transgender Person Elected to U.S. Congress
Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride has made history as the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress, winning Delaware’s only seat in the House of Representatives. Her victory over Republican opponent John Whalen III is a milestone for American politics and a significant step forward for the LGBTQ community. McBride’s win solidifies her role as a powerful advocate for LGBTQ rights and national representation.
A Campaign of Vision and Representation
McBride’s campaign drew widespread support and raised over $3 million from diverse backers across the country. Her opponent, John Whalen III—a retired construction company owner and former state trooper—ran a modest campaign in his first bid for public office. While Whalen’s platform was rooted in traditional conservative values, McBride’s message of inclusivity, equality, and progressive vision for Delaware resonated with voters statewide.
A Trailblazer with a National Platform
McBride, a trailblazer for the LGBTQ community, gained national attention in 2016 when she became the first openly transgender person to address a major U.S. political party convention. Her impactful speech at the Democratic National Convention brought her into the national spotlight, inspiring many within and beyond the LGBTQ community. Now, her victory stands as a powerful affirmation of her commitment to public service and her belief in an inclusive democracy.
“Tonight is a testament to Delawareans that we have shown time and time again that in this state of neighbors, we judge candidates based on their ideas and not their identities,” McBride said following her win. “I didn’t run to make history. I ran to make a difference for my state and this country. This is a powerful message that Delawareans are fair-minded and that our democracy is big enough for all of us.”
Legislative Accomplishments and Advocacy
As a state senator, McBride gained respect for her dedication to healthcare reform and family support policies. She championed legislation creating a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program, supporting families balancing health needs with work obligations. Additionally, she led efforts to address Medicaid reimbursement rates for home healthcare services and expanded access to dental care for low-income Delaware residents. One of her key achievements was passing a bill imposing a 3.58% tax on the net revenue of Delaware’s hospitals, securing additional federal Medicaid funding.
Transition of Power and Democratic Legacy
The House seat McBride now holds has been in Democratic hands since 2010. Her election follows former Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester’s decision to run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Tom Carper. With McBride’s election, Delaware reaffirms its commitment to progressive representation, symbolizing the state’s support for diverse and inclusive leadership.
McBride’s victory is a beacon for equality and a transformative chapter in U.S. politics. Her historic win is a testament to the progress of LGBTQ rights and the acceptance of diverse representation in American politics. As she prepares to address issues of justice, healthcare reform, and representation at the federal level, her victory resonates nationwide, inspiring hope and progress.