Sarah McBride Elected as First Openly Transgender Member of U.S. Congress, Accentuates Advocacy For Paid Family Leave and Increasing Minimum Wage

Sarah McBride Makes History as First Out Transgender Congress Member

Wilmington, Delaware – In a significant milestone for representation, Sarah McBride has been projected to win the at-large U.S. House seat in Delaware, making her the first out transgender person to serve in Congress. This follows the vacancy left by outgoing Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, who decided to run for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat.

Highlighting Policy Over History

McBride, a Delaware state senator, emphasized her strong record of bipartisan support during her campaign. She highlighted her efforts in advocating for paid family and medical leave while also focusing on her work with unions to raise the state’s minimum wage. Rather than focusing solely on the historic nature of her candidacy, she pushed a message of respect, stating that everyone deserves a member of Congress who respects them and their families.

Strong Ally of President Biden

McBride is closely aligned with President Joe Biden. Her political journey is deeply intertwined with Biden’s history as she first entered his orbit in 2006, working on the attorney general campaign of the late Beau Biden, the President’s son. Beau Biden was a strong supporter of transgender protections, which McBride has consistently advocated for throughout her career in Delaware.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Personal Courage

McBride’s advocacy work has been instrumental in shaping public policy around LGBTQ rights. In her 2018 memoir, Tomorrow Will Be Different, she shared her personal journey and professional experiences as a transgender rights activist. Her story includes meeting her late husband, Andrew Cray, at a White House LGBTQ pride event in 2012. Cray, who was also a transgender activist, passed away from cancer just days after their marriage in 2014.

Trailblazing Achievements

Over the years, McBride has achieved several significant milestones in activism and politics. In 2012, she made headlines when she came out as transgender in an op-ed as a senior and student body president at American University. At that time, she expressed concerns that her gender identity might hinder her political ambitions, stating, “My dreams and my identity are only mutually exclusive if I don’t try.”

Four years later, in 2016, McBride became the first openly transgender person to address a national party convention at the Democratic National Convention. Her dedication to advocacy culminated in 2020 when she became the first out transgender person elected to serve in a state Senate, representing a district in northern Delaware.

Community Support and Future Plans

McBride’s election to Congress has garnered significant support from the community. As a known ally of the LGBTQ community and with a focus on issues affecting families, she plans to continue advocating for policies that support working families and promote social equity. Her campaign efforts included building a coalition of support from various local organizations and leaders.

Looking Ahead

As Sarah McBride prepares to take her seat in Congress, the importance of her role is already being felt across the nation. Her story, dedication to advocacy, and community focus signal a hopeful future for many who seek representation in government. With her history of leadership, it’s clear that she will work not only to uplift her own community but to ensure everyone’s voice is heard in the halls of Congress.