Sarah McBride: First Trans Woman Elected to U.S. Congress
Sarah McBride: A Historic Victory
Sarah McBride, at 34, has made history as the first transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress. Following a tight election against Republican James Whalen III on November 5, she will take office in January.
Before this achievement, McBride became the first trans woman to serve as a state senator in Delaware. She also made waves in 2016 as the first trans woman to speak at a Democratic National Convention, supporting Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
After her election, McBride stated, “This night shows that Delaware is a fair state where voters judge candidates based on their ideas, not their identities.”
Many Republicans, including then-President Donald Trump, campaigned against the trans community, proposing restrictions on their participation in sports aligned with their gender identity.
In response to a controversial decision by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who issued a rule banning trans women from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol, McBride called it a “distraction.” She emphasized that her focus is not on restroom policies but on addressing important issues.
Path to Congress
McBride has prioritized reproductive rights, health care access, and better paid sick leave. As a state senator, she worked on social legislation, including child abuse protection and anti-discrimination laws.
Her political journey began in 2006 when she assisted the late Beau Biden’s campaign for attorney general. She helped shape President Biden’s support for LGBTQ rights.
Born and raised in Wilmington, McBride came out as transgender at 21. She married Andrew Cray, a trans activist, shortly before he passed away from cancer in 2014.
Before her election, she served as the press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ advocacy group in the U.S. McBride expressed a desire to focus on real issues over the historic nature of her candidacy, stating, “Being the first often means striving to be the best version of yourself.”
Bathroom Dilemma
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s new rule prohibits trans women from using the women’s restrooms in the Capitol. This decision followed the introduction of a similar proposal by Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace in reaction to McBride’s election.
Johnson claimed, “Women deserve spaces exclusive to women.” This measure applies to all single-sex facilities in congressional offices, including locker rooms.
While McBride disagrees with the new policy, she stated she will follow it and remain focused on advocating for Delaware residents. She believes this measure distracts from significant national issues, asserting, “This effort to divert my attention from real problems has not worked.”
Many Democratic lawmakers criticized the rule, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who questioned the priorities of those attempting to intimidate a new member instead of fostering cooperation.
Mace acknowledged that the measure was aimed at McBride, claiming it was about women’s privacy and security.
Through her work and advocacy, McBride continues to pave the way for greater inclusivity and representation in politics.