State Sen. Sarah McBride has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for Delaware’s lone seat in the US House of Representatives. McBride is vying to become the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, defeating businessmen Earl Cooper and Elias Weir in the primary. Cooper, a political newcomer, and Weir, who previously finished last in a 2016 congressional primary, did not report raising any campaign funds. In contrast, McBride received nearly $3 million in contributions from across the country, gaining national recognition after addressing the 2016 Democratic National Convention as the first openly transgender person to do so at a major party convention in the US.
McBride’s next challenge will be facing either Donyale Hall, a Dover businesswoman and Gulf War-era veteran of the US Air Force, or James Whalen IIII, a retired state police officer and construction company owner from Millsboro, in the GOP primary. The Democratic party has held the House seat since 2010, making the upcoming general election a key opportunity for McBride to potentially break new ground in terms of representation and diversity in Congress. The seat is currently held by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who is running unopposed in the primary as she seeks the US Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Tom Carper.
If Blunt Rochester secures a victory in November, she could potentially become one of only two Black women in the Senate, joining Angela Alsobrooks of neighboring Maryland if Alsobrooks is also successful in her campaign. This election cycle in Delaware is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for increased diversity and inclusion in Congress, with potential historic firsts on the horizon. The primary and general elections will provide crucial opportunities for voters to support candidates who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, reflecting the diverse population of the state and the country as a whole.
The outcome of the primary and general elections in Delaware will not only determine the next representation for the state in Congress but also have broader implications for the overall makeup of Congress in terms of diversity and inclusion. McBride’s potential election as the first openly transgender person in Congress would mark a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ representation and serve as a symbol of progress towards greater acceptance and equality in the political sphere. Likewise, the possibility of Blunt Rochester becoming one of only two Black women in the Senate highlights the ongoing efforts to increase representation and amplify marginalized voices in the nation’s highest legislative body.
As the campaign progresses towards the general election, voters will have the opportunity to consider the candidates’ platforms, qualifications, and visions for the future of Delaware and the country. The issues at stake in this election, from healthcare and the economy to social justice and climate change, are crucial for the well-being and future of the state’s residents and communities. By actively engaging in the electoral process and making informed choices at the ballot box, voters can shape the direction of their state and country, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are represented in the halls of power.
