US elections 2020: Democrat Sarah McBride becomes first trans state senator in history
"I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too".
Sarah McBride has become America’s first-ever out trans person to be elected state senator.
The news emerged last night, as Republican leader Donald Trump went head-to-head with Democrat Joe Biden in the presidential election.
Democrat McBride has taken her state senate seat in Delaware, after seeing off competition from Republican Steve Washington.
“We did it – we won the general election”
Celebrating the news on Twitter, McBride said: “We did it. We won the general election. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
“I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too.
We did it. We won the general election.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 4, 2020
As Delaware continues to face the Covid crisis, it’s time to get to work to invest in the policies that will make a difference for working families.
— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 4, 2020
The 30-year-old LGBTQ activist added: “As Delaware continues to face the Covid crisis, it’s time to get to work to invest in the policies that will make a difference for working families.”
To check out McBride’s policy proposals – including making healthcare affordable and expanding paid leave – visit her official site.
In a statement, she added: “I’m so thankful to the hundreds of volunteers who made calls, sent texts, and talked to voters to bring our neighbors together. I’m humbled by the support of neighbors and ready to work every day to make a difference in the lives of all the residents of the First Senate District.”
McBride is now the highest-ranking trans state legislator in the US.
She started her political career as a White House intern during Barack Obama’s presidency, becoming the first out trans person to work there.
According to the Washington Blade, there are four other trans state legislators: Danica Roem of the Virginia House of Delegates; New Hampshire state representatives Lisa Bunker and Gerri Cannon, and Colorado state representative Brianna Titone – the latter re-elected yesterday. All are Democrats.
At the time of writing, the result of the US presidential election was yet to be announced.
The Attitude November issue is out now to download and to order globally.
Subscribe in print and get your first three issues for just £3, or digitally for just £1.54 per issue.
