Last night, HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride won the Democratic primary for Delaware’s 1st State Senate District. When elected in November, in a heavily Democratic district, McBride will become the first openly transgender person to serve in the upper chamber of a state legislature in American history. In response, HRC President Alphonso David issued the following statement:

“Sarah McBride is one of the most impressive people I have had the privilege to meet. From her brilliant policy expertise to her ability to inspire and empathize, Sarah is the epitome of what can make an elected official great. Tonight, she takes the first step on what I expect to be a storied career in the public realm.

“Sarah is no stranger to making history. As the first transgender speaker at a national party convention, Sarah spoke for a community long ignored and pushed to the sidelines. As the first transgender person to work at the White House, she spoke truth to power advocating for her community in halls that were unfamiliar to anyone similar to her. Next year, as the first transgender state senator in our nation, Sarah will show that any child can achieve their dream, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.

“While we will be sad to lose her as a staff member at the Human Rights Campaign, we are overjoyed to have been a piece of her story. Congratulations Sarah.”

Sarah McBride 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.