In a landmark victory, Sarah McBride has just made history by becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the United States Congress. Her win in Delaware’s at-large district marks a significant step forward for transgender representation in politics and is a powerful moment for the LGBTQ+ community nationwide.
McBride’s journey to Congress is one of passion, advocacy, and determination. At 33, she’s no stranger to breaking barriers—McBride was also the first openly transgender person to address a major political party convention when she spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Her message was clear: transgender Americans deserve a seat at every table, from classrooms to boardrooms to Congress.
History Made: Sarah McBride Becomes the First Transgender Member of U.S. Congress
McBride’s win wasn’t just symbolic—it was an important political achievement. She ran on a platform that emphasized affordable health care, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
She’s determined to bring the voices of marginalized communities to Congress, with a focus on policies that help all Americans, particularly those who often feel unseen by the system.
“Tonight is a testament to Delawareans that here in our state of neighbors, we judge candidates based on their ideas and not their identities,” McBride said at Delaware’s Democratic election night celebration Tuesday night.
Thank you, Delaware! Because of your votes and your values, I am proud to be your next member of Congress.
Delaware has sent the message loud and clear that we must be a country that protects reproductive freedom, that guarantees paid leave and affordable child care for all our… pic.twitter.com/QgwRkpUlbD
— Sen. Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 6, 2024
For the transgender community, McBride’s election is historic. It sends a strong message that transgender people can—and should—occupy spaces of influence and power. Her victory also comes as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to rise across the country, underscoring the importance of having diverse voices in the nation’s most powerful legislative body.
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Who is Sarah McBride?
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, McBride has spent years in public service, with her career rooted in the fight for equality. Her work as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) gave her national visibility as a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly around issues of health care and gender equality.
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Her personal experiences have also been a driving force; McBride lost her husband, Andrew Cray, to cancer in 2014, which fueled her commitment to advancing health care protections.
As she steps into her new role, McBride carries the hopes of countless young transgender people who may now see themselves reflected in government for the first time. Her victory is a testament to the progress America is making toward true equality, one historic moment at a time.
