Sarah McBride becomes first openly transgender state senator

In a U.S. election unlike any other in history, Sarah McBride is celebrating a big win for both herself and the LGBTQ community in general. McBride has become the first openly transgender state senator and the first LGBTQ candidate to be elected to the state’s legislature.

McBride overwhelmingly defeated Republican Steve Washington to take the seat of now-retired Sen. Harris B. McDowell III in Delaware’s First District. In a statement, McBride thanked her supporters for helping her achieve this victory.

“I’m so thankful to the hundreds of volunteers who made calls, sent texts and talked to voters to bring our neighbors together,” she said. “I’m humbled by the support of neighbors and ready to work every day to make a difference in the lives of all the residents of the First Senate District.”

On election night, McBride also took to Twitter to post about her historic win — and the impact it could have on younger members of the LGBTQ community.

“I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too,” she wrote.

McBride also tweeted about her plans to address the ongoing pandemic.

“As Delaware continues to face the Covid crisis, it’s time to get to work to invest in the policies that will make a difference for working families,” she wrote.

McBride’s platform priorities include establishing paid family and medical leave for workers, strengthening public schools and reforming the health care industry. A graduate of American University, where she served as student body president, McBride got her start in politics as a campaign volunteer for Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn in his successful 2004 bid.

She also interned in the Obama White House, and worked on the campaigns of former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and the late former state Attorney General Beau Biden.

“She gives a voice to the marginalized as a representative and an advocate,” Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said of McBride in a statement. “This victory, the first of what I expect to be many in her career, shows that any person can achieve their dream, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.”

Congratulations to McBride on her triumphant win!