Sarah McBride, who currently serves as the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, has won the Democratic primary for the Delaware State Senate. Her win in the state’s First District positions her to possibly make history by becoming Delaware’s first transgender legislator.
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude tonight,” said McBride in a statement. “This victory would be impossible without the incredible work of hundreds of grassroots volunteers. It proves that Delaware can show America what is possible when neighbors come together.”
McBride ran against Joseph McCole in Tuesday’s primary and won with 93% of the votes. The candidate did not run against incumbent Democrat Harris McDowell, as he did not seek reelection. The primary victory means that McBride will face Steve Washington, who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination, in December for the general election. Many are expecting McBride to win in December, as her district, like the state itself, is heavily Democratic.
If she were to win the general election, McBride would become the highest-ranking trans legislator in the United States. There are currently four transgender legislators: Delegate Danice Roem (of Virginia), State Representative Brianna Titone (Colorado), State Representative Lisa Bunker (New Hampshire), and State Representative Gerri Cannon (New Hampshire).
McBride’s win would also make her the first member of the LGBTQ+ community elected to the legislature in Delaware — a title she’s most likely to share with Eric Morrison, a gay man running in the 27th District. While State Senator Karen Peterson came out while in office in 2013, she did not run for reelection. Delaware is currently one of only five states to have never elected an openly queer representative — Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee are the other four.
McBride has been working for the HRC since June of 2016. Previously, she worked for the Center for American Progress, interned at the White House (under President Obama), and served as a staffer for former Delaware Governor Jack Markell and late State Attorney General Beau Biden, Vice President Joe Biden’s son.
What Do You Think?