Sarah McBride opponent withdraws, possibly clearing way for first transgender rep

Delaware Democrats are rallying around House candidate Sarah McBride, setting the stage for her to potentially become the first openly transgender member of Congress.

McBride’s primary opponent in the race, former Delaware State Housing Authority Director Eugene Young, suspended his campaign this week, nearly a year after launching his bid.

In a post on the social platform X, McBride, 33, stressed her “deep respect” for Young.

“Service is in Eugene’s heart, and he continues to dedicate his life to empowering and uplifting others,” she said.

Young said in his announcement that he made the decision “after careful consideration and deep reflection.” He had trailed McBride by double digits in polls on the race.

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D), who has held Delaware’s lone at-large House seat since 2017, is running for the Senate seat left open by retiring Sen. Tom Carper (D).

Delaware Democratic Party Chair Betsy Maron praised Young for his dedication and announced the state party is solidly behind McBride.

“Sarah has been a leader in the Delaware Democratic Party and a true change maker as a State Senator,” Maron said in a statement.

McBride would likely face Republican Donyale Hall, who has declared candidacy in the race, but the nonpartisan Cook Political Report and other analysts say the seat is solidly Democratic.

McBride, who formerly served as national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, became the first openly transgender state senator in the country in 2020.

Delaware primaries are set for Sept. 10.