A lawmaker in Delaware has become the first openly transgender woman elected to Congress.
Democrat Sarah McBride was the favourite to win the only congressional district in Delaware – which is traditionally a Democratic stronghold.
Speaking tonight Ms McBride said: ‘Tonight is a testament to Delawareans that we are a fair-minded state where voters judge candidates based on their ideas and not their identities.’
The New York Times reported that Ms McBride believed her victory was a sign that she had earned the support of voters by leading efforts to improve their everyday economic lives through measures like paid family and medical leave.
Her opponent, James Whalen III, was a former state police officer who has not held political office.
Democrat Sarah McBride was the favourite to win the only congressional district in Delaware – which is traditionally a Democratic stronghold
Ms McBride believed her victory was a sign that she had earned the support of voters by leading efforts to improve their everyday economic lives through measures like paid family and medical leave
Mr Whalen campaign focused on slashing federal spending and reducing illegal immigration.
He has also previously endorsed Project 2025 at a debate in the state in September.
Ms McBride’s victory comes after the Republican presidential campaign focused heavily on transgender issues.
Former President Trump claimed on numerous occasions that public schools urge students to undergo gender-transition surgeries.
Meanwhile his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, suggested that white, upper-middle-class families view transgender identities as a way to improve their children’s chances of admission to elite colleges.
Ms McBride will replace fellow Democrat Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester after she won the Democratic primary in September.
Ms McBride will replace fellow Democrat Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester after she won the Democratic primary in September
The 34-year-old has become a trailblazer transgender people within the Democratic Party.
She was the first openly trans woman to intern at the White House in 2013. In 2016 the first to speak at the Democratic National Convention.
She was the first to be elected to a State Senate in 2020.
However, in Congress Ms McBride said she hopes to be known not just for her identity as as a trans woman but also for her ability to champion issues such as increasing funds for Medicaid on a national scale.
