Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride announced Monday she's running for the U.S. House of Representatives. Already the first openly transgender state senator elected in the country, she'd be the first transgender member of Congress if she wins in November.

In a video posted to social media, McBride, a Democrat, said people deserve a representative “who sees them and who respects them.” Her announcement also highlighted her support for paid family leave, which passed the state Senate last year.

“This law is a good start, but government should do more to make it easier for people to raise a family,” she said. “So I'm running for Congress.”

McBride was elected in 2020 in a heavily Democratic district stretching from northern Wilmington to the Pennsylvania border. There are several other transgender legislators around the country but she's the first trans member of any state Senate.

McBride interned at the White House under former President Barack Obama and made history at the 2016 Democratic National Convention as the first openly trans person to speak at a major party convention.

McBride has long-standing ties to Delaware’s best-known political family. She worked on the late Beau Biden’s campaigns for state attorney general, and Beau’s father, President Joe Biden, wrote the foreword to her memoir. She also worked on the campaign of former Gov. Jack Markell.

She succeeded fellow Democrat Harris McDowell, who held the Senate seat since 1976 and endorsed McBride’s candidacy.

McBride’s campaign generated interest and money from around the country, bringing in more than $270,000 in donations as of early October 2020, eclipsing fundraising totals even for candidates for statewide office in Delaware.

A former student body president at American University, McBride started in politics as a volunteer for Matt Denn, former legal counsel to Delaware’s governor, during his successful 2004 campaign for insurance commissioner. Denn, who later served as lieutenant governor and attorney general, worked with McBride’s father at a Wilmington law firm known for its close ties to the Democratic Party establishment.

Share:
More In Politics
The Race for U.S. Soccer President Heats Up
Kyle Martino, candidate for U.S. Soccer president, breaks down his campaign and explains how his views are different from the other candidates. Martino was a professional soccer player for six years.
Arkansas is Open for Business
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson discusses the Republican tax overhaul and how he expects it to affect job growth in his state.
Dueling Memos in Washington
CRTV's Jon Miller and The Root's Michael Harriot join Cheddar to discuss the release of the Republican memo and the Democrats' efforts to declassify their counter memo.
Closing Bell: February 2, 2018
It's been a rough week for Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency dropped below $8,000 on Friday, marking the third biggest drop over a five-year span. Foreign governments are reportedly skirting international sanctions through the use of cryptocurrency. The Dow closed down around 670 points, the biggest drop in two years.
Esusu: Save More Money with Your Friends and Family
In cultures around the world families and friends pool their money together into a single pot of money. The process is called esusu, and a new app has adopted the name and making the process easier than ever.
Melania's State of the Union
The Hive co-hosts Kristen Scholer and Jon Kelly discuss the top 5 hottest stories in tech and politics. From Melania Trump's appearance at the State of the Union to Mark Zuckerberg's play for local news, The Hive has the latest news you need to know.
Between Bells: Top Stories 2/2/2018
Devin Nunes memo released, streaming services walk away from Sundance empty-handed, and Grammy president responds to calls for him to step down.
Between Bells: February 2, 2018
Your Future Home: Housing trends and tips with Quicken Loans. On Between Bells: Super Bowl LII preview, Super Mario goes to Hollywood, and more. With GameSpot, FHM, Citi, and NerdWallet.
Opening Bell: February 2, 2018
Apple's revenue grew considerably during the most recent quarter but iPhone sales were down. There was good news and bad news in the earnings report for Alphabet, the parent company of Google. And Amazon soared past Wall Street expectations thanks to strong holiday sales. We dive into these earnings reports with Gene Munster, Managing Partner at Loup Ventures. Plus, Cheddar's CEO Jon Steinberg talks to veteran newsman Dan Rather about his new partnership with The Young Turks.
Dan Rather's Move to Digital Media
Legendary newsman Dan Rather opens up to Cheddar CEO Jon Steinberg about his partnership with The Young Turks. Rather will host a daily half-hour show called "The News With Dan Rather."
Load More