Delaware voters are on the brink of a historic moment as they prepare to elect the next representative for the state’s sole U.S. House seat. State Sen. Sarah McBride, a Democrat, could become the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress if she defeats her Republican opponent, John Whalen III, in Tuesday’s election.
McBride, widely considered the frontrunner, brings substantial name recognition, a prominent national profile as an LGBTQ+ activist, and over $3.5 million in campaign contributions from across the country. She first gained national attention in 2016 when she became the first openly transgender person to address a major political convention at the Democratic National Convention.
In the Delaware State Senate, she has focused on healthcare, sponsoring laws on paid family and medical leave, Medicaid reimbursement, dental care access for low-income residents, and healthcare funding.
Whalen, a construction business owner and retired state trooper, is making his political debut with a focus on reducing government spending, securing the southern border, and balancing the federal budget.
With less than $7,000 raised as of mid-October, Whalen is running a modest campaign and did not attend a recent debate with McBride.
Delaware’s U.S. House seat has been held by Democrats since 2011. This election marks an open race due to Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester’s decision to run for the U.S. Senate. Delaware voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.