Delaware state senator Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress by winning her state's at-large US House seat. Despite running in a reliably blue state, McBride emphasized her bipartisan work and support from unions. She is a close ally of President Joe Biden and has been credited with shaping his views on LGBTQ issues. McBride, who lost her late husband to cancer in 2014, has been making history in the LGBTQ rights movement for years, including becoming the first transgender person to speak at a national party convention in 2016.
Sarah McBride: Trailblazing Transgender Senator and Advocate
Sarah McBride, a Democratic state senator from Delaware, has shattered barriers by becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the United States Congress. Her historic victory has not only made headlines but has also ignited discussions about representation, diversity, and the future of LGBTQ+ rights.
Early Life and Activism
McBride's journey began in Wilmington, Delaware, where she identified as transgender at a young age. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, she fearlessly advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2011, she became the first transgender intern to work in the White House.
Senate Career
In 2016, McBride made history by becoming the first transgender person to address a major party convention, speaking at the Democratic National Convention. In 2020, she was elected to the Delaware State Senate, where she has championed progressive causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and affordable healthcare.
Historic Congressional Election
In 2022, McBride ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in a reliably blue state. Despite running in a competitive race, she emphasized her bipartisan work and support from unions, positioning herself as a moderate Democrat. Her campaign focused on issues such as economic recovery, climate change, and healthcare.
McBride's victory was a watershed moment for the LGBTQ+ community and a testament to the progress that has been made in recent years. She is now a close ally of President Joe Biden, who has appointed her to his Presidential Council on Gender Equality.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Who is Sarah McBride? Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. She is a Democratic senator from Delaware and a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate.
Why is her election significant? McBride's election is a historic milestone for the LGBTQ+ community, representing increased visibility and representation for transgender individuals.
What are her policy priorities? McBride's priorities include economic recovery, climate change, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights. She has emphasized her commitment to working across party lines.
How did she win in a competitive race? Despite running in a competitive race, McBride's moderate stance, bipartisan outreach, and support from unions helped her secure victory.
What does her election say about the future of LGBTQ+ rights? McBride's election is a sign of progress and increased acceptance of transgender individuals. It signals a growing demand for greater representation and diversity in politics.
The Rajya Sabha was thrown into chaos on Monday as BJP president JP Nadda accused Congress of being a "tool" of foreign forces and trying to destabilize India. In response, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the claims as lies and stated that his party is committed to upholding India's democratic values. The tensions between the two parties led to multiple adjournments in the Upper House, with Nadda demanding a discussion on links between Sonia Gandhi and the Soros-founded think tank.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its second list of candidates for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, signaling a strategic revamp in its approach. This includes replacing tickets for 15 sitting MLAs and introducing new faces, aimed at revitalizing the party's image and addressing evolving voter sentiments. The party has also strategically fielded candidates for BJP-held seats and embraced political lineage by nominating sons of sitting MLAs for two constituencies. This move reflects AAP's effort to reclaim key constituencies and secure a win in the upcoming elections.
The BJP has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-elections in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Odisha, after the resignation of several members. The Election Commission has announced the polling date to be on December 20, with the results to be declared on the same day. The BJP has fielded Ryaga Krishnaiah from Andhra Pradesh, Rekha Sharma from Haryana, and Sujeet Kumar from Odisha, and will be facing opposition from other parties for the vacant seats.
The political turmoil in South Korea escalates as President Yoon Suk Yeol is named as a subject in a criminal investigation for his failed attempt to impose martial law. The President's former defense minister has been arrested, and his interior minister has resigned. Despite surviving an impeachment vote, President Yoon will be excluded from his duties before eventually stepping down, according to the leader of his own party. This has sparked condemnation from opposition lawmakers and led to thousands of people rallying for the President's impeachment and arrest. As the nation deals with the fallout, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will manage affairs and prepare an exit plan for President Yoon, who will not be involved in any state affairs before his departure. This crisis threatens to damage South Korea's reputation as a democratic success story and has plunged the economy into uncertainty.
After a 10-day sprint across government-held territory, Syrian rebels have toppled 50 years of Assad family rule. Reports state that Assad has fled the country for an undisclosed location, with looting and celebrations breaking out in Damascus. The Prime Minister has called on citizens to protect public institutions as the country transitions to a new government.
After South Korea's ruling party walks out of the national assembly, a qualified vote on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol fails due to lack of required votes. The opposition Democratic Party plans to propose a new impeachment bill on December 11, after Yeol's failed declaration of martial law and the ruling party's claim that he agreed to depart from office early. The failure to hold a qualified vote on this critical issue has raised concerns about the country's democratic process.
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav boldly states that the party will not form an alliance and will contest on all 70 seats in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls. Yadav also criticizes both the AAP and BJP for their "misgovernance" and promises that the party will elect a leader after winning. Congress has appointed Priyavrat Singh as the "war room" chairman for the polls, as they aim to regain power after losing in the past two elections. Preparations have also begun for the BJP and AAP as they gear up for the highly competitive election.
During a pivotal technical discussion at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, Sikkim Chief Minister CM Tamang emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity and infrastructure to unlock the North East's vast potential as a premier tourism destination. He also called for collaborative initiatives to address unique challenges and capitalize on strengths in order to contribute to a developed India. The discussion, which included dignitaries and stakeholders such as Union Minister for DoNER Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, resulted in a shared commitment to transform the region into a hub of prosperity. In addition, CM Tamang praised the Symposium on Uniform Civil Code and made significant announcements at the Former Legislators Federation of Sikkim's 21st foundation day celebration.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the successful rehabilitation of Cheetahs which became extinct from Asia and India 100 years ago. As part of the Cheetah Project in Madhya Pradesh, two male Cheetahs, Agni and Vayu, have been released in the open forest area of Kuno National Park. This marks a major step towards the success of the project and is expected to boost tourism in the state. Additionally, Yadav also announced the approval of a new tiger reserve, making Madhya Pradesh the state with the highest number of tigers in India.
Akashdeep Gill, who was arrested for his role in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, has disclosed important information during his interrogation, including his use of a labourer's mobile hotspot to avoid being tracked. The labourer, identified as Balwinder, has been crucial in helping the crime branch investigate the case. The former Maharashtra minister was killed outside his son's office building and the police have since arrested 25 suspects, but Akashdeep's mobile phone is still missing, which could hold crucial evidence in the case.