Delaware makes history, elects Sarah McBride as 1st openly transgender member of Congress
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) — As confetti rained down in Delaware on election night, state Sen. Sarah McBride celebrated as she made history, becoming the first transgender person elected to Congress.
Nearly 24 hours after her win, McBride said she hopes this sends a message to young people that our country and democracy are big enough for everyone.
"Delawareans reinforced that in our state of neighbors, we are fair-minded and we judge candidates based on their ideas and not their identity," McBride said.
The 34-year-old told CBS News Philadelphia her run wasn't to make history, but her grassroots campaign focused on restoring the American dream and making life in the First State more affordable.
"Just as I have done in the Delaware state Senate, I will focus on bringing down costs facing workers, their families, and retirees by providing affordable healthcare, housing, and childcare to all of our neighbors," she said.
McBride won Delaware's only House seat that is currently held by Lisa Blunt Rochester, who also made history by becoming the first woman and first Black person to represent Delaware in the U.S. Senate. On Wednesday, Governor-elect Matt Meyer said it was an honor to share the stage with them.
"Whether you supported Senator-to-be Blunt Rochester or whether you supported Congresswoman-to-be McBride, I think it's something that should make us all proud as Delawareans," Meyer said.
McBride says she's willing to work with anyone to help Delaware, and she's ready for any possible challenges during a second Trump term, given his anti-trans rhetoric over the course of the campaign.
"The story of our country is the story of us taking our biggest challenges and turning them into our most significant steps forward," McBride said.
Many voters are familiar with McBride's personal story. She met her future husband, a trans man named Andrew Cray, at a White House reception during the Obama era. Cray died from cancer just four days after their wedding.
Before Election Day, an expert told CBS News that McBride is "tough" and could handle any attacks thrown her way. On the national level, Republican President-elect Donald Trump brought transgender issues into the conversation, including a false assertion that schoolchildren were undergoing surgical procedures.
"I wouldn't be the first person in Congress to be part of a community that Donald Trump has said outrageous things about," McBride said then.