Sarah McBride Becomes First Openly Transgender Person Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

Democrat Sarah McBride has made history as the first openly transgender individual elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, according to projections by Edison Research on Tuesday. McBride, a 34-year-old state senator, secured Delaware’s at-large congressional seat, a district considered reliably Democratic, after winning a closely contested primary in September.

McBride’s election builds on her record of firsts: she was the first openly transgender state senator elected in 2020, the first openly transgender person to address a U.S. national political party convention in 2016, and the first to intern at the White House in 2012 under former President Barack Obama.

In a pre-election interview with Reuters, McBride emphasized her commitment to addressing critical issues rather than focusing on her trailblazing role. “Being the first often means striving to be the best you can be,” she acknowledged, adding that this responsibility is only meaningful if she fulfills her role as an effective representative for Delaware.

McBride’s election comes amid a significant rise in proposed legislation aimed at limiting gender-affirming care in the U.S. Reuters reported that 37 states introduced at least 142 such bills in 2023—nearly triple the previous year’s count. Efforts to pass national anti-trans legislation have also been ongoing among Republicans in Congress.

Having grown up in Wilmington, Delaware, McBride came out as transgender in 2011 and entered politics to promote inclusivity. When asked about the message her election sends to young transgender Americans, she responded, “Anyone who fears they don’t belong should know they do. Our democracy is broad enough for everyone.”

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