DOVER, Del. — As Sarah McBride wrapped up her final day in the Delaware state Senate, she found herself reflecting on her historic journey. Sitting in her modest Capitol office, she prepared her farewell address on a significant milestone: becoming the first openly transgender member of Congress in American history, following her role as the first openly transgender state senator in the nation.
McBride’s ascent to Congress comes at a time when transgender rights are facing challenges from legislation introduced in various Republican-led states. Despite a contentious election season marked by negative campaign ads targeting trans individuals, she secured her position as Delaware’s only representative in the U.S. House of Representatives with relative ease in her predominantly blue state. Prior to her swearing-in, however, McBride has already faced fierce opposition from congressional Republicans. Recently, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina suggested a ban preventing transgender individuals from using restroom facilities that align with their gender identity in the U.S. Capitol, an effort that was backed by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
In response to the unfolding developments, McBride took a conciliatory stance, expressing her intent to abide by the existing regulations. “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms,” the 34-year-old stated. While some advocates urge her to take a firmer stand, those close to her recognize this response as typical of her pragmatic approach to politics, prioritizing diplomacy over confrontation. “There is so much joy and so much awe in having this opportunity, and I will not let anyone take that away from me,” she shared, reinforcing her dedication to her role.
The small size of the Delaware Senate, with only 21 members, fosters a sense of camaraderie among its politicians, contrasting sharply with the often adversarial climate in Washington. “We’re a family,” commented state Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, a Republican colleague who expressed his support for McBride. During the final special session on December 16, with various nominations and routine business on the agenda, McBride spent her last day in the Senate surrounded by colleagues who celebrated her as though she were a beloved classmate at a graduation ceremony.
As her colleagues acknowledged her contributions, McBride opened the day with a reflective prayer regarding new beginnings and emotional farewells. Her parting speech conveyed her appreciation to fellow lawmakers, emphasizing the potential for unity despite political divisions. “I take with me the hope that I have found here that despite the rancor and the toxicity that we too often see in our politics, that we do genuinely have more in common than what divides us,” she remarked, advocating for a political environment characterized by grace and meaningful progress.
From her early years in Wilmington, McBride demonstrated a passion for politics, often practicing speeches from her bedroom podium. By her high school days, she had already embarked on working for several political campaigns, including efforts for Beau Biden, the late son of President Joe Biden. Her mentor, Jack Markell, who previously served as Delaware’s governor and is now the U.S. ambassador to Italy, praised her blend of intellect, political acumen, and commitment to public service.
Although her path in politics seemed assured, McBride initially feared that revealing her transgender identity could hinder her ambitions. At 21, serving as president of American University’s student government, she came out to family and friends before sharing her journey publicly. Reflecting on this transitional moment, she remarked, “Coming out was without question the hardest thing that I had ever done up until that point. And yet it was still relatively easy compared to the experiences of so many people.”
Support from her family played a crucial role throughout her journey. Her parents, concerned for her well-being, sought guidance from their pastor about how best to support their daughter during this phase of her life. Their commitment and love have had a lasting impact on both her and their family dynamic. McBride continued to blaze a trail; during her college years, she was the first openly transgender woman to intern at the White House and subsequently became a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, McBride insists that she does not strive to be defined solely by her gender identity. Her commitment remains focused on being an effective representative for all of Delaware and the nation. She is determined to ensure that her appointment does not only pave the way for her but for many to come.
Colleagues recognize McBride as both a “show pony” and a “work horse,” noting her impressive energy and dedication to public service. Known for quickly networking and collaborating with her peers, McBride often sought bipartisan support for her initiatives while passionately addressing issues related to health care, housing, and family leave. Her profound personal experience as a caregiver for her terminally ill husband deepened her perspective and commitment to advocating for paid family leave in Delaware.
Amidst challenges, McBride adheres to a philosophy of grace, drawing inspiration from her late husband, Andrew Cray, whose kindness and strong moral principles continue to guide her. Even as criticisms arise regarding her perceived lack of aggressiveness toward negative legislation, McBride remains firmly rooted in her belief that kindness is essential for a flourishing democracy. “At the end of the day, our ability to have a pluralistic, diverse democracy requires some foundation of kindness and grace,” she asserted, committing to embody this approach even during difficult times.
