Tonight, Human Rights Campaign (HRC)-endorsed candidate and HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride overwhelmingly won her election to serve as state senator from Delaware’s First Senatorial District. McBride will become the first openly transgender person to serve in the upper chamber of a state legislature in U.S. history.

“Tonight, Sarah made history not just for herself but for our entire community. She gives a voice to the marginalized as a representative and an advocate,” said Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “This victory, the first of what I expect to be many in her career, shows that any person can achieve their dream, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. Though we will miss having her as an employee at the Human Rights Campaign, Sarah will undoubtedly represent the First District well and we look forward to seeing what she accomplishes.”

McBride will take office immediately at midnight this evening. She is one of numerous transgender state legislative candidates running for office this cycle, including Rep. Brianna Titone (CO), Stephanie Byers (KS), Reps. Gerri Cannon and Lisa Bunker (NH), Taylor Small (VT), and Jessica Katzenmeyer (WI). Del. Danica Roem (VA) was re-elected to a second term in 2019.