Sarah Elizabeth McBride born August 9, 1990 is an American politician and activist who will soon represent Delaware’s at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. She has served as a Democratic member of the Delaware Senate since January 2021 and previously worked as the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. McBride made history in the 2020 election by winning the Delaware State Senate seat for the 1st district, becoming the first openly transgender state senator in the United States and the highest-ranking transgender elected official in the country’s history.
Sarah McBride Biography 2025
Before entering the Senate, McBride played a key role in advocating for the passage of a Delaware law that banned discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, insurance, and public accommodations. She also made history in July 2016 by becoming the first openly transgender person to address a major political party convention, speaking at the Democratic National Convention. In 2018, McBride published her memoir Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality, which included a foreword by Joe Biden. McBride has been recognized for influencing President Biden’s views on transgender issues. In the 2025 election, McBride won the race for Delaware’s at-large congressional district, making her the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress.
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Sarah McBride Biography Details
Born
August 9, 1990 (age 34)
Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
Political party
Democratic
Spouse
Andrew Cray
(m. 2014; died 2014)
Education
American University (BA)
Website
Official website
State Assembly website
Sarah McBride Early Life
Sarah McBride was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to David and Sally McBride. Her father was a lawyer, and her mother was a guidance counselor who co-founded the Cab Calloway School of the Arts. McBride graduated from Cab Calloway in 2009 and later earned a bachelor’s degree from American University in 2013. At American University, she was elected president of the student government in 2011, having already engaged in various political advocacy efforts. She co-founded Delaware’s Young Democrats Movement and supported local Democratic campaigns for politicians such as Beau Biden, Matthew Denn, and Jack Markell. McBride cited Jack Markell as a major influence during her early political career.
Sarah McBride Bio
Life Event
Details
Birth
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on August 9, 1990
Parents
David McBride (father) – Lawyer; Sally McBride (mother) – Guidance Counselor and School Founder
Education
Graduated from Cab Calloway School of the Arts in 2009; Bachelor’s degree from American University in 2013
Student Leadership
Elected President of American University Student Government in 2011
Early Political Advocacy
Co-founded Delaware’s Young Democrats Movement and worked on several local Democratic campaigns
Sarah McBride Political Advocacy
Political Role
Details
Advocacy for Transgender Rights
Worked on legislation to ban discrimination based on gender identity in Delaware (2013)
Delaware Senate
Elected to Delaware Senate in 2020, becoming the first openly transgender state senator
Lobbying for Legislation
Advocated for legislation to protect transgender individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations
Political Influence
Credited with shaping President Biden’s views on transgender issues
Sarah McBride Role in the Democratic Party
Event/Role
Details
2016 Democratic National Convention
First openly transgender person to speak at a national party convention, July 2016
Presidential Influence
Worked closely with Vice President Joe Biden, influencing his stance on LGBTQ+ and transgender issues
Public Speaking
Delivered speeches at major LGBTQ+ events and campuses nationwide
Sarah McBride Memoir and Influence
Work
Details
Book Publication
Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality (2018)
Foreword Author
Foreword by Joe Biden
Impact
McBride’s memoir has contributed to broader conversations about transgender issues
Sarah McBride Family and Personal Life
Event/Detail
Facts
Marriage
Married Andrew Cray in August 2014, who passed away shortly after their wedding
Grief and Advocacy
McBride’s work continues to honor her late husband’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights
Support from Family
McBride’s family has been integral to her advocacy work, including her mother’s involvement in the arts
Sarah McBride Delaware Senate Election
Election Detail
Details
2020 Senate Election
Elected to the Delaware Senate in the 1st district as the first openly transgender state senator
Legislative Focus
Prioritized paid family and medical leave and healthcare policy during her tenure
Legislative Success
Sponsored the Healthy Delaware Families Act, allowing paid family leave
Sarah McBride Congressional Run
Campaign Detail
Information
Announcement
Announced candidacy for U.S. House of Representatives in June 2023
Endorsements
Endorsed by outgoing Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester
Campaign Focus
Focused on health care, paid leave, and economic issues
Sarah McBride Election Results
Election Type
Details
Primary Election (2025)
Won Democratic primary with 79.9% of the vote
General Election (2025)
Won the general election with 57.9% of the vote, becoming the first openly transgender member of Congress
Opponent
Republican candidate John Whalen
Advocacy for Transgender Rights
Advocacy Detail
Details
Role in Equality Delaware
Served on the board, leading the fight for anti-discrimination laws for transgender people in Delaware
Transgender Advocacy in Government
Worked with state officials to pass landmark anti-discrimination legislation for transgender people
National Advocacy
Speaks regularly at national LGBTQ+ events and forums advocating for transgender rights
Sarah McBride Public Speaking and Media Appearances
Event/Role
Details
TED Talk
Delivered TED Talk on the importance of not letting gender assigned at birth define individuals
Media Appearances
Featured in major publications like The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and NPR
Personal Beliefs and Stance on Key Issues
Belief/Issue
Details
LGBTQ+ Rights
Advocates for equal rights, including marriage equality and non-discrimination policies
Health Care and Family Leave
Pushed for legislation providing paid family leave for Delaware workers
Economic Policy
Supports raising the minimum wage and protecting workers’ rights
Sarah McBride Influence on Public Policy
Policy Area
Details
Health and Family Leave
Passed the Healthy Delaware Families Act, offering paid family leave
Transgender Rights
Played a key role in the passing of laws protecting transgender people in Delaware
Sarah McBride Legacy and Recognition
Recognition Detail
Points
Cultural Impact
Regarded as one of the most influential transgender activists and politicians in the U.S.
Awards
Named in several “most influential” lists, including MIC.com’s list of millennials to watch
Campaign and Public Support
Supporters
Details
Public Endorsements
Endorsed by Delaware political figures, including Lisa Blunt Rochester
LGBTQ+ and Progressive Groups
Supported by national LGBTQ+ and progressive groups due to her advocacy for transgender rights
Sarah McBride Future Goals
Goal
Facts
Transgender Equality
Aims to continue pushing for transgender rights at the national level as a member of Congress
Public Policy
Focus on healthcare reform, labor rights, and equal protections for marginalized communities
Sarah McBride Net Worth
Information Not Available.
Sarah McBride Summary
Sarah McBride is a trailblazer in American politics and activism, having made history as the first openly transgender state senator and now poised to become the first openly transgender member of the U.S. Congress. Through her advocacy, McBride has been a staunch supporter of transgender rights, healthcare reform, and family leave policies. Her career is a testament to her resilience, leadership, and commitment to public service, and she continues to inspire future generations of leaders, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.
