DOVER, Delaware — Voters in Delaware are on the brink of potentially setting a milestone as they cast their ballots for the next representative of the state’s singular seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Democrat Sarah McBride, currently a state senator, stands a chance to become the first openly transgender individual ever to serve in Congress if she secures victory against Republican challenger John Whalen III in the upcoming election on Tuesday.

McBride is seen as the frontrunner in the contest, bolstered by a solid lead in party registration and substantial fundraising efforts. In contrast, Whalen, a businessman and former state trooper, is relatively unknown in the political arena and is campaigning for office for the very first time. As of mid-October, his campaign contributions were reported to be below $7,000.

On the other hand, McBride has garnered over $3.5 million in funds from contributors across the nation, establishing herself as a prominent LGBTQ advocate. She previously captured national attention during the 2016 Democratic National Convention, where she became the first openly transgender individual to speak at a major party convention in the U.S.

Following an easy victory in the Democratic primary last month, McBride clarified her campaign intentions, stating that her aim goes beyond making history; she is focused on achieving significant advancements for the residents of Delaware.

Throughout her tenure as a state senator, McBride has built a reputation for her work on healthcare policies. She successfully introduced legislation to create a paid family and medical leave insurance program on a statewide level. Additionally, she has advocated for improved Medicaid reimbursement rates for home health services and expanded access to dental care for low-income individuals in Delaware. Another significant legislative achievement was a bill imposing a 3.58% tax on net revenue from Delaware hospitals to draw additional federal Medicaid funds, all of which were enacted into law.

Whalen opted out of participating in a debate alongside McBride at the University of Delaware last month. His campaign focuses on key issues such as addressing illegal immigration at the southern border, decreasing government expenditure, and achieving a balanced federal budget.

Delaware’s U.S. House seat has been in Democratic hands since 2011. This year’s election became available following Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester’s decision to complete her current term while also pursuing a seat in the U.S. Senate, a position that will become open when fellow Democrat Tom Carper vacates it.

Polls in Delaware will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on the day of the election.