Democratic candidate Sarah McBride has been elected as the first openly transgender person to the US House of Representatives.
McBride was elected as the first openly transgender state senator in 2020. Earlier in 2016 she made history as the first transgender person to speak at a US national political party convention.
McBride was also the first openly transgender person to intern at the White House under President Barack Obama in 2012.
While McBride’s candidacy is novel, she has focused more on the issues rather than her status. She acknowledged the responsibility of being the “first” but emphasized the importance of being an effective representative. “None of them matter if I don’t fulfill the responsibility of being the best member of Congress for Delaware,” she said.
McBride grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and came out as transgender in 2011. She entered politics to help create a more inclusive environment and to make a difference.
Reflecting on her recent election, McBride sent a message to young transgender Americans. “Anyone who worries that the heart of this country is not big enough to love them should know that they belong”, she announced.
It is pertinent to note that McBride, a 34-year-old state senator, won a competitive initial for the district in September, considering safely Democratic.
