Delaware lawmaker runs to be first openly transgender member of Congress
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Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride.
Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride on Monday announced her run for Congress to replace Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.).
Why it matters: McBride, a friend and ally of President Biden, would be the country's first openly transgender member of Congress.
- Blunt Rochester is vacating the seat to run to succeed Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), who announced his retirement last month.
Driving the news: McBride released a launch video and press release on Monday announcing her bid.
- The video cited recent right-wing attacks on progressivism in education and medicine and prescription drug costs as key issues, and pointed to her work passing paid family and medical leave as a state senator.
- “This campaign isn't just about making history – it's about moving forward," she said in the press release. "In Congress, I'll support a strong agenda that invests in workers and families, addresses gun violence, protects access to abortion and tackles climate change.”
The backdrop: A former campaign staffer for former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and state Attorney General Beau Biden – the president's late son – McBride became the first openly transgender White House employee in 2012.
- Her speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention – which made her the first openly transgender DNC speaker – raised her to national prominence.
- She was elected to the Delaware Senate in 2020, becoming the first openly transgender state senator.
What we're watching: Several state officials are also considering runs for the seat, according to Bloomberg Government.
- McBride rolled out her campaign with endorsements from the state auditor and attorney general, 21 of her Senate colleagues including the president pro tempore and majority leader, and the state's largest private sector union.
- She also has support from several prominent national liberal organizations including the Human Rights Campaign, End Citizens United and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
