In the vibrant heart of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Sarah McBride, a trailblazer in the making, spoke with passion about her candidacy for Congress. Beyond her historic bid as the potential first openly transgender member of Congress, McBride aspires to be known for more than just her gender identity.
Seated outside a cozy coffee shop, she emphasized the importance of representation while making it clear that she is a multi-dimensional individual. Ready to defy expectations, she envisions herself as a bridge-builder in Congress, even with colleagues who openly question transgender identity. When asked if she’s prepared to “educate” outspoken conservatives like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, McBride responded with a resounding “Absolutely.”
During campaign stops on a steamy September afternoon, McBride embraced her gender identity, acknowledging that recent antagonistic rhetoric about transgender rights couldn’t be ignored. However, she also emphasized that other life experiences, like being a caregiver to her late husband Andrew Cray during his terminal battle with cancer, have profoundly shaped her priorities and policy-making.
Before McBride can make her mark in Congress, she faces a competitive Democratic primary. With Sen. Tom Carper’s retirement and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester’s bid for his seat, a host of ambitious Democrats are vying for the deep-blue Delaware seat. Although she boasts strong fundraising numbers, McBride faces rivals like State Treasurer Colleen Davis and State Housing Authority Director Eugene Young.
Campaigning in a small state like Delaware means candidates are bound to cross paths. In a seafood restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, while speaking to the Delaware Stonewall PAC, McBride found herself in front of a friendly audience. Delaware’s tight-knit community ensures that political encounters are a frequent occurrence.
McBride’s local celebrity status, as well as her close ties to the Biden family, lends her considerable charisma on the campaign trail. President Joe Biden wrote the foreword to her memoir, and she counts the late Beau Biden as one of her mentors.
In Congress, McBride would likely align with the progressive wing of the Democratic Caucus, potentially joining the Progressive Caucus. She describes herself as a “pragmatic progressive” and highlights her achievements in the state Senate, such as enacting a law providing statewide paid family and medical leave.
Even as a Republican voter, Celine Mentzer considers supporting McBride, citing her compassionate assistance to her brother during the Covid-19 pandemic. McBride’s ability to win over voters from across the political spectrum demonstrates her appeal as a candidate.
Entering a charged congressional climate marked by partisan confrontations over transgender issues, McBride remains undeterred. She seeks to counter cruelty with kindness, division with unity, and fear with compassion. As she ventures into the realm of American politics, Sarah McBride embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of progress.
