Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride made history Tuesday night as she became the first out transgender person to be elected to Congress. The Democrat won her state’s open House seat with 58% of the vote, the Associated Press called. McBride defeated Republican John Whalen III after the House seat was vacated by outgoing Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., who chose to run for Senate this election, which she also won. Rochester was the first woman and first African American to represent Delaware in Congress and is now the first Black woman to represent Delaware in the Senate.
Though McBride hasn’t emphasized the historic nature of her candidacy, her campaign emphasized respect and inclusion. The 34-year-old has pushed to pass paid family and medical leave, as well as raising the minimum wage. She’s also been credited with helping shape President Joe Biden’s LGBTQ policy.
