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The Delaware Democrat calls moment ‘awe-inspiring’ and vows to fight for all Americans.
Congresswoman Sarah McBride, a history-making Democrat from Delaware, was sworn in Friday afternoon as the first out transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Representing Delaware’s At-Large Congressional District, McBride took the oath of office using her family’s childhood Bible, marking a moment she described as “surreal” and “awe-inspiring.”
In an interview with The Advocate on the eve of her swearing-in, McBride reflected on the historic moment and the long journey that brought her to this point. “This has been a long journey... I am feeling grateful to all those whose shoulders I’m standing on, all those who blazed the paths that have made tomorrow possible,” she said.
McBride, a Wilmington native who previously served as a Delaware state senator, has been a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ advocacy and policymaking. Her career includes spearheading landmark legislation like the Healthy Delaware Families Act, which established paid family and medical leave, and the Protect Medicaid Act of 2024, which secured $175 million in annual Medicaid funding for the state.
McBride’s journey to the Capitol had symbolic moments, including traveling to Washington on Amtrak with her family—a nod to Delaware’s long tradition of leaders commuting by train, a practice famously associated with President Joe Biden. “It was indeed a tribute to those leaders and their approach to serving Delaware,” McBride told The Advocate.
Asked about what she would think about during the swearing-in, McBride said, “I’ll be thinking about my family. I’ll be thinking about Andy [her late husband], and I’ll be thinking about truly just how grateful I am to Delaware.”
McBride vowed to continue that tradition of service, emphasizing her commitment to addressing all her constituents’ needs. “No matter what county you live in or who you voted for, my office will be dedicated to serving the people of Delaware with a service-first mindset,” she said in a statement following the ceremony.
Even as she celebrated, McBride acknowledged the challenges ahead in a sharply divided Congress. She highlighted concerns over anti-LGBTQ+ bills that Republicans have signaled will take center stage, including efforts to redefine Title IX protections.
“It is not surprising to me that an anti-trans bill will be one of the first they put forward,” McBride said, calling it part of a broader strategy to distract from economic issues. “These anti-LGBTQ policies... have an impact on every single person in this country who believes that the time and energy of the federal government should be spent improving the lives of workers, improving conditions facing retirees, and improving supports for our families.”
McBride’s experience navigating such legislative battles has earned her a reputation as a skilled policymaker and advocate. Her swearing-in marks a milestone in LGBTQ+ representation and a continuation of her decade-long public service and advocacy career.
As she begins her congressional tenure, McBride remains focused on the needs of her constituents while aiming to bridge divides in Washington. “On day one of this new Congress, I’m ready to get to work to ensure that government respects everyone by delivering meaningful results,” McBride said. “I’ll work with anyone who will work with me to deliver for Delawareans.
