Sarah McBride Seeks to Break Barriers in Delaware Congressional Race

In an election year charged with historic potential, Sarah McBride aims to become the first transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Engaging with voters at Delaware State University, McBride emphasized that her candidacy represents more than her identity, stating, “It is a testament to Delawareans that the candidacy of someone like me is even possible.” Currently serving as the first trans person elected to a state senate, McBride is vying to elevate her public service to the federal level.

John Whalen III, her Republican opponent, a former Delaware State Police officer, prioritizes stopping illegal immigration and reducing the federal debt. He expressed during a brief phone interview that there are issues more pressing than McBride’s gender identity in the race. Professor Danna Young, director of the Center for Political Communication at the University of Delaware, highlighted the voters’ preference for focusing on different challenges. “I think voters really do want to hear about other issues,” she remarked.

Young co-authored a 2018 study on voter attitudes toward transgender candidates, revealing limited prior support. However, she believes opinions may have shifted, especially in recognition of McBride’s growing public profile. McBride is well-known in Delaware for her personal story, including her marriage to Andrew Cray, a trans man who died of cancer days after their wedding.

With national attention on transgender issues, Sarah McBride acknowledges that her presence on the congressional stage could challenge conventional perspectives. Despite Donald Trump‘s controversial remarks about transgender people, McBride remains resilient. “I wouldn’t be the first person in Congress to be part of a community that Donald Trump has said outrageous things about,” she commented, expressing confidence in facing national level opposition.

Polling in the state shows McBride leading by over 20 points in a predominantly Democratic electorate. She believes her potential election would pave the way for future transgender members of Congress, emphasizing the “power of proximity” in fostering empathy and understanding.