DOVER, Del. — Sarah McBride has carved out a significant place in American political history as Delaware’s first openly transgender state senator and now, the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. Her election comes at a critical time for transgender rights, as several Republican-led states introduce legislation that seeks to restrict the rights and recognition afforded to transgender individuals. Despite facing a barrage of negative campaign advertisements targeting transgender rights during the election, McBride successfully secured her position in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Delaware’s blue state constituency.
However, her journey in Congress has not been without challenges. Even before taking office, she encountered hostility from congressional Republicans. Among the most prominent was Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who proposed a measure intended to prohibit transgender individuals from using U.S. Capitol restrooms reflective of their gender identity—a proposal enacted by House Speaker Mike Johnson. In a bid to manage the situation, McBride expressed her commitment to adhere to the established rules: “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms,” she stated in her remarks.
Reflecting on her past, McBride emerged from her childhood in Wilmington, Delaware with a fierce passion for political activism. As a youth, she practiced delivering Democratic speeches from a makeshift podium in her room. By her high school years, she was already gaining experience working on political campaigns. Despite her early promise in politics, McBride initially grappled with the fear that revealing her transgender identity would jeopardize her aspirations. At 21 years old, while serving as president of American University’s student government, she took the brave step of coming out as transgender, first to close friends and family, and later making a public announcement that gained widespread attention.
McBride credits her supportive family, especially her parents, with playing a vital role in her journey. Upon her coming out, they sought guidance from their pastor, Rev. Gregory Knox Jones, who encouraged them to focus on love and acceptance. David McBride, Sarah’s father, emphasized how their support and the positive responses from friends and community members significantly shaped their family’s experiences.
Following her coming out, McBride achieved numerous milestones, becoming the first openly transgender woman to intern at the White House while she was in college. During this time, she fell in love with Andrew Cray, a trans man and advocate for LGBTQ+ health policy. At just 22, McBride was pivotal in passing a nondiscrimination law for transgender individuals in Delaware and became the first openly trans speaker at the Democratic National Convention in 2016.
As a state legislator, McBride earned a reputation for her diligent work ethic, often subsisting on coffee during her busy days rather than meals. Her enthusiasm for policymaking is particularly evident when discussing key issues like healthcare, paid family leave, childcare, and affordable housing. As chair of the health committee, she played a crucial role in expanding Medicaid access and improving dental care for underprivileged communities, with much of her legislative agenda receiving bipartisan support. One of her proudest achievements was championing paid family and medical leave, a deeply personal cause motivated by her experience when Cray was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after their wedding.
In the wake of her husband’s passing, McBride reflected on the kindness she received that reaffirmed her faith and strength. In her memoir, she wrote extensively about the extraordinary compassion she witnessed during Cray’s final days. Ten years later, she often asks herself, “What would Andy do?” aiming to approach political adversities with grace and empathy.
Some activists criticized her for not vocally resisting the restroom ban more aggressively. While McBride acknowledges the importance of transgender individuals’ access to public restrooms, she chooses to respond with grace, believing that a foundation of kindness is essential for a diverse and inclusive democracy. “At the end of the day, our ability to have a pluralistic, diverse democracy requires some foundation of kindness and grace,” she expressed, reaffirming her commitment to uphold these values, even in difficult situations.
