Sarah McBride, a figurehead in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, is on the cusp of making history as the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress. Her candidacy for Delaware’s at-large House seat symbolizes a monumental stride forward in the fight for equality, set against a backdrop of increasing cultural conflicts that have put trans rights at the forefront of political discourse.
McBride’s journey to this pivotal moment is punctuated by a series of groundbreaking achievements. She was the first transgender state senator in U.S. history and the first openly trans person to serve in the White House during the Obama administration. Her memoir, “Tomorrow Will Be Different,” underscores her relentless advocacy for trans equality and her deep connections with the Biden administration.
In her role as a state lawmaker, McBride has been instrumental in advancing significant legislation, including paid family leave, gun safety measures, and reproductive rights protections. Last year, she championed a bill to ban the “gay and trans panic” defense in Delaware, showcasing her ability to garner bipartisan support for critical LGBTQ+ issues.
Her campaign for Congress has garnered substantial momentum, highlighted by endorsements from influential figures such as Nancy Pelosi and a fundraising haul approaching $1.9 million. With the recent withdrawal of her primary opponent, McBride’s path to Congress seems assured, promising a powerful new voice for the LGBTQ+ community on the national stage.
McBride’s vision for her congressional role is clear: to build on her success in Delaware by fostering bipartisan collaboration on a range of issues affecting Americans’ daily lives. Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and her commitment to equality make her a formidable candidate in these contentious times.