Sarah McBride becomes first openly transgender member of US congress

Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride has become the first openly transgender person elected to the US House of Representatives after defeating Republican John Whalen III in the race for Delaware’s lone at-large congressional seat.

McBride, a 34-year-old state senator and prominent trasngener advocate, easily won the election on November 5, 2024, cementing her historic status.

She had previously made history in 2020 when she became the first openly transgender person elected to a state legislature in Delaware.

Her national recognition includes speaking at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and serving as an intern in the Obama White House.

"I didn’t run to make history," McBride told supporters after her victory. "I ran to make a difference for my state and this country."

McBride’s campaign, which raised more than $3 million in contributions from across the nation, focused on healthcare, paid family leave, and Medicaid expansion, areas where she has already made a mark in Delaware’s state legislature.

Her election to Congress is a significant milestone, as she will now advocate for issues affecting both Delawareans and the broader American public. In her victory speech, she expressed that her win sent a powerful message: "Our democracy is big enough for all of us."

McBride's platform included healthcare reforms such as paid family leave insurance and efforts to improve Medicaid reimbursement rates, highlighting her focus on policy over identity.

In the presidential race, former President Donald Trump has claimed victory after Fox News projected him as the winner in the 2024 election.

Trump, running against Vice President Kamala Harris, secured a series of key battleground state wins in Georgia, Florida and North Hampshire.

Trump celebrated his win in Palm Beach, Florida, where he addressed a crowd of jubilant supporters. "America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate," Trump said, flanked by his running mate, Senator JD Vance, and family members.

Trump's success was fueled by strong performances in critical states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio, which helped him reclaim the White House after four years away.

The 2024 election cycle saw Trump gaining significant support from Hispanic and younger voters, according to exit polls, with many citing economic concerns as a driving factor for his popularity.

Trump's claims of a "powerful mandate" reflect his strong political comeback, despite the controversies surrounding his earlier presidency and ongoing legal battles.

Meanwhile, Republicans made significant inroads at the state level, with former Senator Kelly Ayotte defeating Democrat Joyce Craig in the New Hampshire gubernatorial race.

Ayotte’s victory was seen as a blow to the Democratic establishment, particularly with Craig’s focus on abortion rights as a key issue in the campaign.

While Trump’s win and the Republican gains signal a shift in US politics, the election also highlighted continued divides over issues such as abortion, healthcare, and the direction of the country’s democracy.

As McBride’s victory demonstrates, there is still room for progress, even in a contentious political landscape, and her election marks a hopeful sign for transgender inclusion in national politics.

The election results reflect ongoing shifts in American public opinion, with both parties grappling for control of a deeply polarized electorate.

While Trump’s return to the White House represents a resurgent Republican Party, McBride’s historic victory signals a path forward for inclusivity and diversity in American governance.

As Delawareans and Americans look toward the future, McBride’s message of equality and opportunity resonates, particularly for marginalized communities.