Sarah McBride's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 2, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Sarah McBride. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2012: Came Out as Transgender Woman

During her last week as student body president in 2012, Sarah McBride came out as a transgender woman in her college's student newspaper, The Eagle, gaining international attention.

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.

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.

2014: Ranked Most Valuable Progressive in Delaware

In 2014, Sarah McBride was ranked the Most Valuable Progressive in Delaware by DelawareLiberal.net, listed in the 2014 list of the Trans 100, and named one of the fifty upcoming millennials poised to make a difference in the coming years by MIC.com.

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.

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.

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.