Today LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Sarah McBride won her election for the Delaware state Senate, becoming the first out transgender person ever elected to a state senate seat anywhere in the United States. The victory comes just three years after Danica Roem became the first out trans person to ever win and be seated in a state legislature, winning a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. There are just four out trans people currently serving in state legislatures.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about McBride’s victory:
“Sarah’s overwhelming victory is a powerful testament to the growing influence of transgender leaders in our politics and gives hope to countless trans people looking toward a brighter future. Throughout this election cycle, Donald Trump and other cynical politicians attempted to use trans people as a political weapon, believing they could gain popularity by stoking fear and hate. For Sarah to shatter a lavender ceiling in such a polarizing year is a powerful reminder that voters are increasingly rejecting the politics of bigotry in favor of candidates who stand for fairness and equality. Her victory will inspire more trans people to follow in her footsteps and run for public office.”
In addition to McBride, there are four other non-incumbent trans state legislative candidates endorsed by Victory Fund who are on the ballot tonight: Stephanie Byers of Kansas, Madeline Eden of Texas, Jessica Katzenmeyer of Wisconsin and Taylor Small of Vermont. Small won earlier tonight. Three of the four out trans state legislators are up for reelection tonight: Lisa Bunker and Gerri Cannon in New Hampshire and Brianna Titone in Colorado. If all the incumbents and non-incumbents win tonight, the number of out trans state legislators could more than double, from four to nine.
