Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sarah McBride

How Sarah McBride built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sarah McBride is an American politician and activist, currently serving as the U.S. representative for Delaware's at-large congressional district. Previously, she served as a Delaware State Senator from 2021-2025. Prior to her time in elected office, she was the national press secretary of the Human Rights Campaign. She is the first openly transgender member of the United States Congress, and the highest-ranking openly transgender elected official in the nation.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Staffer for Jack Markell's Campaign

In 2008, Sarah McBride worked as a staffer on the campaign of Governor Jack Markell in Delaware.

2010: Staffer for Beau Biden's Campaign

In 2010, Sarah McBride worked as a staffer on the campaign of Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden.

2011: Elected President of American University Student Government

In 2011, Sarah McBride was elected president of the American University Student Government.

2011: Elected Student Body President at American University

In 2011, Sarah McBride was elected student body president at American University.

2012: Interned at the White House

In 2012, Sarah McBride interned at the White House, becoming the first openly transgender woman to work there in any capacity, specifically in the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, focusing on LGBTQ issues.

January 2013: Joined Equality Delaware's Board of Directors

In January 2013, Sarah McBride joined the board of directors of Equality Delaware, becoming a leading advocate for legal protections and hate crime legislation for transgender Delawareans.

June 2013: Legislation protecting Delawareans signed into law

In June 2013, legislation protecting Delawareans from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression was signed into law by Governor Jack Markell, following lobbying efforts led by Sarah McBride and her family.

April 2016: Delivered TED Talk

In April 2016, Sarah McBride delivered a TED Talk titled, "Gender assigned to us at birth should not dictate who we are."

July 2016: Speaker at Democratic National Convention

In July 2016, Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender person to address a major party convention in American history when she spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

July 28, 2016: Spoke at Democratic National Convention

On July 28, 2016, Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender person to speak at a national party convention when she addressed the 2016 Democratic National Convention, paying tribute to her late husband Andrew Cray.

2016: Panelist at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

In 2016, Sarah McBride was a panelist at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's "GLOBE Pride 2016" on youth and workplace bullying.

2018: Publication of 'Tomorrow Will Be Different'

In 2018, Sarah McBride published her memoir, "Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality", with a foreword by Joe Biden.

Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality

Check it on Amazon

July 9, 2019: Announced Candidacy for Delaware Senate

On July 9, 2019, Sarah McBride formally announced her candidacy for the Delaware Senate, focusing on health care and paid family and medical leave.

November 2020: Elected as First Transgender State Senator in U.S. History

In November 2020, Sarah McBride won her election and became the first transgender state senator in United States history. During her first term, she successfully sponsored the Healthy Delaware Families Act.

2020: Election as State Senator

In 2020, Sarah McBride was elected as a state senator in the United States, becoming the first openly transgender person to achieve this milestone.

June 2023: Announced Candidacy for U.S. House of Representatives

In June 2023, Sarah McBride announced her candidacy to represent Delaware's at-large congressional district in the 2024 election.

September 10, 2024: Won Democratic Primary Election

On September 10, 2024, Sarah McBride won the Democratic primary election for the 2024 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware, securing the Democratic nomination.