Trans activist Sarah McBride is entering politics, announcing her intention to run for the US state senate in Delaware.
McBride, who currently works as press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, shared the news in a statement to NBC News, before posting her first campaign video on social media.
The announcement came after Delaware's 1st Senate District incumbent, fellow Democrat Harris McDowell, announced his retirement earlier this month.
“I’ve spent my life fighting for people to have dignity, peace of mind, and a fair shot at staying afloat and getting ahead," her statement read.
“Sen. McDowell’s retirement at the end of this term is a well-deserved cap on a remarkable career of public service, and now our neighbours need someone who will continue to fight for them."
Speaking to CNN, McBride said that her campaign will be focusing on criminal justice reform and affordable healthcare - something she's passionate about, given she cared for her late husband after he was diagnosed with cancer.
“A lot of people know me because of my advocacy in the LGBTIQ+ community, but I want to be clear that that has not been my most formative experience,” she said.
“I don’t want anyone to go through that experience, but I also know that thousands of people are going through it every day."
If McBride is successful, she will become the first trans State Senator in American History.
