Sarah McBride on Tuesday sailed to victory in her State Senate race in Delaware, making her the first openly transgender state senator in the country. McBride is poised to become the nation’s highest-ranking transgender elected official once sworn in.
“We did it. We won the general election. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” McBride tweeted.
We did it. We won the general election.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 4, 2020
Before the announcement, she expressed hope that democracy would prove it is “big enough” for “an LGBT kid”.
McBride easily beat out Republican bet Steve Washington to represent Delaware’s 1st Senate District. McBride, after all, got the endorsement of incumbent Democrat Harris McDowell, who did not seek re-election after 44 years.
The 1st District covers Bellefonte, Claymont and parts of Wilmington, the state’s largest city.
“I’ve spent my life fighting for people to have dignity, peace of mind, and a fair shot at staying afloat and getting ahead,” McBride said in a video statement announcing her run in 2019. “Sen. McDowell’s retirement at the end of this term is a well-deserved cap on a remarkable career of public service, and now our neighbors need someone who will continue to fight for them.”
Running on a progressive platform, McBride vowed to push for affordable health care, universal pre-kindergarten, boosting school funding, and increasing the minimum wage. McBride said these issues are urgent especially with the onslaught of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Support for the new state senator was huge on social media, with influencers, celebrities, and politicians celebrating her triumph.
Actress Amy Schumer, who backed McBride’s campaign since she announced her candidacy last year, wrote in an Instagram post, “Congrats to my friend @sarahemcbride and congrats to Delawareans for electing a great leader!!!!!” actress Amy Schumer.”
