Trans Lawmaker Sarah McBride on the Privilege—and Pressure—of Making Political History

To say that this has been a momentous year in politics would be an understatement. Since June, we've seen a disastrous debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, an assassination attempt against Trump, and most recently, Vice President Kamala Harris's ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket after Biden dropped out of the presidential race.

But while all eyes have been fixated on the White House, another female politician has been quietly making history. In the small state of Delaware, State Senator Sarah McBride has just won her congressional primary. Due to Delaware's makeup, she's all but guaranteed to win the general election in November, making her the first-ever openly transgender member of Congress.

McBride, who initially made history four years ago when she became the first openly transgender state senator in the U.S., is quick to acknowledge the weight of this accomplishment. But when we meet up in Wilmington, Delaware, a few weeks before the primary, she also makes it clear that getting to Congress isn't only about her. "I'm very mindful that whenever I'm the first in a space, I try not to leave just a Sarah-sized hole in the wall," says the 34-year-old, speaking passionately from behind the wheel of her car, in between sips of her morning coffee. "I want to help bring the wall down."

View in Browser  Trans Lawmaker Sarah McBride on the Privilege—and Pressure—of Making Political History To say that this has been a momentous year in politics would be an understatement. Since June, we've seen a disastrous debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, an assassination attempt against Trump, and most recently, Vice President Kamala Harris's ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket after Biden dropped out of the presidential race. But while all eyes have been fixated on the White House, another female politician has been quietly making history. In the small state of Delaware, State Senator Sarah McBride has just won her congressional primary. Due to Delaware's makeup, she's all but guaranteed to win the general election in November, making her the first-ever openly transgender member of Congress. McBride, who initially made history four years ago when she became the first openly transgender state senator in the U.S., is quick to acknowledge the weight of this accomplishment. But when we meet up in Wilmington, Delaware, a few weeks before the primary, she also makes it clear that getting to Congress isn't only about her. "I'm very mindful that whenever I'm the first in a space, I try not to leave just a Sarah-sized hole in the wall," says the 34-year-old, speaking passionately from behind the wheel of her car, in between sips of her morning coffee. "I want to help bring the wall down." READ MORE Kendall Jenner's New Platinum Hair Takes the Spotlight at Bottega Veneta's Show She wore the perfect look to show it off. READ MORE Taylor Swift Pairs an Ab-Baring Crop Top With a Plaid Miniskirt The perfect fall ensemble. READ MORE Angelina Jolie and Daughter Vivienne Now Have Matching Tattoos It's not the only tattoo she shares with one of her children. READ MORE Zendaya Wore a Bubble Gown, Then a Cutout Jacket and Maxi Skirt in NYC Both looks showed off her incredible legs. READ MORE Your New Fashion Icon Is a Telfar-Carrying, Twerking Elephant Her name is Ellie. She's the New York Liberty mascot. And she is the moment. READ MORE How Coralie Fargeat Made The Substance, a Bloody, Campy Commentary on Aging "I really wanted to express that when you're a woman, your body is everything but natural in the public space," the French director says of her daring new film. READ MORE Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection ELLE is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779