Sarah McBride made history in 2024 as the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Delaware’s at-large district. Her election was not just a personal milestone, it was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in American politics.
Before her congressional victory, McBride served as a Delaware state senator, where she championed progressive policies, including paid family and medical leave. Her advocacy roots run deep; she was instrumental in passing Delaware’s 2013 law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and made history in 2016 as the first openly transgender person to speak at a major party convention.
Beyond her political career, McBride has been a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She served as the national spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ equal rights organization, and worked on the campaigns of former Delaware Governor Jack Markell and the late Attorney General Beau Biden. After college, McBride held an internship in the Obama White House, the first openly transgender woman to work there in any capacity.
In Congress, McBride continues to focus on issues like reproductive freedom, affordable healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights. Amid a challenging political climate, she remains a steadfast advocate for equality, emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion in policymaking.
