In the heart of Delaware’s bustling political scene, Sarah McBride stands as a formidable contender in the race for the state’s sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. When discussing the vital issues concerning voters, she fervently addresses topics like education costs, healthcare, housing, gun violence, and the Supreme Court. However, her gender identity, as a transgender woman, often takes center stage in media coverage, despite her primary focus on the broader issues that resonate with her constituents.
McBride’s historic campaign strives to make her the first openly transgender member of Congress. While she consistently reiterates her commitment to serving Delaware and tackling the concerns that matter most to its residents, her unique identity remains a focal point of discussion in her media appearances.
With a crowded primary field, including prominent figures like Eugene Young and Colleen Davis, McBride holds a distinct advantage due to her national recognition and strong ties to the Democratic Party’s leadership, particularly President Joe Biden. Her journey into politics began by supporting Beau Biden, the president’s late son, in his successful bid for Delaware’s attorney general in 2010.
Having continued her political involvement, Sarah McBride came out as transgender in 2012, a revelation that garnered widespread attention and support, including from then-Vice President Joe Biden. This announcement marked the start of her remarkable journey in advocating for transgender rights and equality.
In 2020, she became the highest-ranking transgender person in the country as a Delaware state Senator, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community. President Biden’s appointment of McBride to the Democratic National Committee’s Executive Committee underscores her influential role in American politics.
While McBride maintains a strong commitment to progressive policies, she also emphasizes her willingness to collaborate with Republicans, acknowledging areas of common ground in the midst of national polarization. In a landscape dominated by divisive culture wars, the LGBTQ+ community faces unprecedented challenges, with a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the United States.
Despite the threats and transphobic attacks she has personally endured, McBride remains steadfast in her belief that transgender individuals must not be silenced or excluded from the democratic process. As she seeks to secure her place as a first-term legislator in Congress, her track record of legislative accomplishments and her enduring commitment to equality highlight the potential for her to be a powerful advocate on the national stage.
While her website currently lacks specific policy details, Sarah McBride intends to expand her policy agenda, including addressing issues relevant to Delaware’s agricultural industry. As a campaign rooted in conversations with constituents, McBride is determined to leave no stone unturned in her quest to represent all Delawareans, regardless of their political affiliations.
As the urgency to address the climate crisis grows, Delaware’s vulnerability to rising sea levels makes it a key battleground for environmental policy. McBride acknowledges the need for “bold goals” to achieve carbon neutrality and emphasizes the importance of investing in new technologies to mitigate the climate crisis’s impact.
Sarah McBride’s commitment to progressive values and her determination to push for a more inclusive and equitable society position her as a transformative force in Delaware’s political landscape. As she navigates the intricacies of national politics, her journey is poised to resonate far beyond the boundaries of her state, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and representation while addressing the pressing challenges of our time.
