Sarah McBride is a Democratic politician from Delaware who made history as the first openly transgender person to serve as a state senator in the United States. Now, before anyone gets their knickers in a twist and accuses me of being transphobic, let’s clear the air: I have no ill will toward transgender individuals. If adults want to live their lives dressed up as the opposite sex, that’s their prerogative—as long as it’s not stepping on anyone else’s rights.

That said, I can’t help but see things a little differently. From my perspective, believing you’re a different gender than your biology suggests seems like a disconnect from reality and likely suggests a mental disorder. And hey, no disrespect to those with mental health issues—I’ve dealt with extreme social anxiety and depression myself. It’s a challenge, but it’s something I recognize as an illness, not the norm. So, if someone wants to live that way, that’s their choice, but I don’t feel obligated to play along.

With that in mind, you’ll notice I’ll be using “they/them” pronouns for McBride in this article. It’s my way of trying to be as respectful as possible, given that they prefer not to be called “he,” but I also can’t bring myself to use “she/her.” I hope that strikes a balance, and apologies in advance if it doesn’t sit well with everyone.

But let’s not get sidetracked here! I’m not here to debate the entire transgender issue today—I’ll save that for another article. This piece is about McBride’s track record during their time in the Delaware State Senate and the policies they championed during their campaign for Congress. So, let’s dive in and see what’s what.

Sarah McBride hasn’t exactly been hanging around the political scene for ages—their career’s more of a sprint than a marathon so far. They were elected in 2020 to represent Delaware’s 1st Senate District, and before that, they made their mark as an activist and spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Their focus? LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare, and gender equality—the big-ticket items for any activist’s bingo card.

McBride first hit the national spotlight back in 2012 when they came out as transgender while serving as student body president at American University. Talk about a dramatic college experience! While most of us were just trying to figure out what to major in, McBride was making headlines. They didn’t stop there—they went on to become the first openly transgender person to speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2016. Now, whether you agree with their politics or not, you’ve got to admit: that’s a pretty big “mic-drop” moment.

McBride’s Accomplishments as a State Senator

During their time as a Delaware state senator, Sarah McBride didn’t waste any time making waves. They managed to rack up a solid list of legislative wins that are worth talking about:

• Paid Family and Medical Leave: McBride was a key player in passing the Healthy Delaware Families Act, giving Delaware workers up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family or medical reasons. It’s like they brought the “sick day fairy” to the whole state. This was a big step in expanding Delaware’s safety net, though some business owners might feel like they just got handed the check for the free lunch.
• Healthcare Access: McBride took a swing at improving healthcare, sponsoring bills to boost Medicaid reimbursement rates and expand dental care for low-income folks. They even pushed through a 3.58% tax on hospital revenue to pull in extra federal Medicaid funds. Let’s just say they weren’t afraid to play Robin Hood—although some hospitals probably felt more like they were the ones getting robbed.
• Education Initiatives: Mental health and media literacy in schools? McBride said, “Sign me up!” They championed these additions, aiming to help kids navigate everything from anxiety to fake news. Sure, it’s a little different from the “reading, writing, and arithmetic” of old, but hey, it’s a new world out there.
• Environmental Advocacy: McBride went all-in on the green movement, pushing for the adoption of clean energy and sustainable tech. Think solar panels and wind turbines—less pollution, but maybe more lawnmowers giving up the fight against overgrown grass thanks to the shade.
• Worker and Family Protections: From day one, McBride made it clear they were there to back the little guy, focusing on policies to support working families. They aimed to create a fairer, more supportive environment for everyone—kind of like trying to turn Delaware into a big, cozy safety blanket.

Overall, you’ve got to hand it to them: McBride came in swinging for the fences, with a clear focus on making life better for their constituents. Whether or not you agree with their methods, their dedication to the job is undeniable.

Criticisms of McBride’s Accomplishments as a State Senator

Of course, not everyone’s been singing McBride’s praises. There have been a few common complaints:

• Focus on Identity Politics: Some critics claim that McBride’s star power comes more from their status as a transgender trailblazer than from their legislative wins. It’s like having a flashy movie trailer that doesn’t quite match the actual plot—plenty of attention, but maybe not as much action as expected.
• Policy Prioritization: There are whispers (and not-so-quiet grumbles) that McBride spends a bit too much time on social issues, leaving Delaware’s economic problems to sit on the back burner. It’s like going to a restaurant and finding the chef only focuses on dessert when the main course is what’s really needed.
• Healthcare Legislation: While McBride’s healthcare reforms sound good on paper, some folks believe they’re a financial headache waiting to happen. Programs like statewide paid family leave are seen as lifesavers for workers but potential budget-busters for small businesses. It’s kind of like getting a great new insurance plan—until you see the premium.
• Environmental Policies: McBride’s love for green tech and environmental regulations isn’t everyone’s cup of herbal, organic, sustainably-sourced tea. Critics say these initiatives might be great for hugging trees, but not so great for keeping local industries afloat. There’s concern it could end up costing jobs, making it a bit of a “save the planet, lose the paycheck” situation.
• Educational Reforms: McBride’s push to add mental health and media literacy classes in schools has left some parents and educators scratching their heads. Sure, it’s well-intentioned, but skeptics argue that these additions might just end up cramming already-packed curriculums, leaving less room for the basics. It’s like trying to add extra toppings to a pizza that’s already overflowing—great in theory, but maybe a bit too much in practice.

In a nutshell, these criticisms offer a mixed bag of perspectives on McBride’s priorities. Whether you think they’re a forward-thinking reformer or someone who’s just missing the mark, there’s no denying that their policies have stirred up plenty of debate in Delaware’s political stew.

McBride’s Policy Proposals

In their 2024 campaign for Delaware’s at-large congressional seat, Sarah McBride came out swinging with a big, bold agenda. Here’s what they put on the menu:

• Healthcare Access and Affordability: McBride isn’t shy about their healthcare goals—they’re aiming for the whole enchilada: universal coverage. They want to lower the Medicare age, roll out a public option, and throw in dental, vision, and hearing services for good measure. They also pushed hard for guaranteed paid sick leave and family leave, basically promising that if you get sick, you’ll be covered. It’s like offering a healthcare buffet, but some folks are wondering who’s picking up the tab.
• Economic Security and Workers’ Rights: McBride wants a $15 federal minimum wage, tied to inflation, so it rises over time. Think of it like an adjustable-rate mortgage—except in reverse. They’re all about strengthening labor unions and backed the PRO Act, which would make it easier for workers to organize. And if that’s not enough, they’re also calling for universal childcare, affordable housing, and elder care. It’s a big swing for working families, but critics might say they’re treating the federal budget like a bottomless piggy bank.
• Reproductive Rights: McBride didn’t mince words here—they’re a full-throated advocate for “reproductive freedom,” pledging to expand access to abortion services and block any efforts to roll back those rights. To their supporters, they’re standing firm for women’s healthcare. To her detractors, they’re opening the door wider than a department store on Black Friday.
• Criminal Justice Reform: When it comes to criminal justice, McBride is all about second chances. They’re advocating for reducing recidivism, expanding expungement opportunities, and making sure people leaving prison get a fair shot at reintegration. It’s a noble goal, but some worry it’s like putting the cart before the horse—good intentions, but will it keep communities safe?
• Environmental Sustainability: McBride’s a big fan of green tech, and they’ve got climate change in their crosshairs. From solar panels to wind farms, they’re promoting every clean energy solution under the sun (literally). They want Delaware to be a leader in sustainability, but critics say their vision might leave industries footing the bill and consumers feeling the pinch.

All in all, McBride’s policy positions read like a progressive wish list, tackling everything from healthcare and economic inequality to criminal justice and climate change. Whether you see it as bold and visionary or just too ambitious for its own good, one thing’s for sure: McBride isn’t playing small ball. They’re swinging for the fences.

Criticism of McBride’s Policy Proposals

Sarah McBride’s 2024 campaign policies didn’t exactly get a free pass—critics had plenty to say, and some of it wasn’t exactly a love letter. Here’s the rundown:

• Healthcare Expansion: McBride’s vision of lowering the Medicare age and introducing a public option had some folks clutching their wallets in fear. Critics argued that this kind of expansion could blow up government spending faster than a Black Friday sale, leading to higher taxes for everyone. Plus, there’s the worry that more people in the system could mean longer waits at the doctor’s office—because who doesn’t love sitting in a waiting room for hours?
• Economic Policies: Their push for a $15 minimum wage sounded great to many workers, but small business owners were sweating bullets. Opponents said it could lead to job cuts, especially for those mom-and-pop shops already operating on thin margins. And then there’s the plan for universal childcare and elder care, which sounds wonderful—until you realize someone’s got to pay the bill. Critics worry it’s like ordering a fancy steak dinner and then being surprised when the check arrives.
• Reproductive Rights: McBride’s strong stance on expanding abortion access didn’t sit well with pro-life advocates, who saw it as a bridge too far. They argue that their policies could lead to fewer restrictions and open the door to more permissive laws, disregarding the rights of the unborn. It’s a classic clash of values, and it’s left people on both sides of the debate fired up.
• Criminal Justice Reform: When it comes to giving folks a second chance, McBride is all in. But not everyone’s on board with their ideas for reducing recidivism and expanding expungements. Critics are worried it might be a bit too lenient, letting people back on the streets before they’ve earned a second chance. It’s like opening the gates before the prisoners have even finished their lunch.
• Environmental Policies: McBride’s green agenda had climate activists cheering, but some industry folks were less enthusiastic. Critics warned that their push for green tech and strict regulations could crank up costs for businesses, leading to layoffs and higher prices for consumers. It’s the old debate: save the planet or save the paycheck? McBride’s hoping for both, but their detractors aren’t convinced it’s that simple.

So, there you have it—a mixed bag of praise and pushback. Their supporters see a bold, progressive leader aiming to fix what’s broken, while their critics see a well-meaning but overambitious plan that could end up causing more problems than it solves.

The Good Stuff: What McBride Got Done

Give credit where credit’s due—Sarah McBride didn’t just sit on the Senate floor twiddling their thumbs. They pushed for paid family leave, and Delaware now offers up to 12 weeks of leave for folks who need time for family or medical reasons. Is it a big win for workers? Absolutely. But for small business owners who are already counting pennies, it might feel like a punch to the gut.

Then there’s healthcare. McBride fought to boost Medicaid funding and even helped expand dental care access for low-income residents. If you like more government in healthcare, that’s a thumbs-up. But if you’re a skeptic of government programs, you might say, “Here we go again, another tax on hospitals!” It’s a bit like slapping a Band-Aid on a gaping wound while someone else foots the bill.

Let’s not forget the education push—advocating for mental health and media literacy in schools. On one hand, teaching kids to deal with anxiety and decipher fake news sounds good. On the other hand, do we really need another program crammed into the school day when many kids can’t even spell “Mississippi”?

And finally, the environment—McBride loves green tech. Solar panels, wind turbines, and all that jazz. Their heart’s in the right place, but for those working in the fossil fuel industry, it probably feels like they’re cheering on the end of their careers.

The Criticisms: Not Everyone’s Buying It

A big gripe against McBride is that they get a lot of airtime thanks to their status as a prominent transgender politician. Some say their policies are playing second fiddle to their personal narrative. It’s as if the headlines are more interested in who they are rather than what they’ve actually done.

Their critics also argue that they’re more interested in the social justice wishlist than tackling the everyday economic struggles of Delawareans. Raising the minimum wage sounds great until you’re the small café owner who suddenly can’t afford to hire anyone. And let’s be honest, not every struggling Delaware family is waking up worried about media literacy; they’re worried about paying their electric bill.

The 2024 Campaign: Swinging for the Fences

McBride came out swinging in their 2024 run for Congress with bold promises. Universal healthcare? Check. Higher minimum wage? Double check. Expanding abortion access? Triple check. It’s like they’re trying to fit an entire Bernie Sanders rally into one campaign speech.

Now, I get it. These ideas sound compassionate. Who wouldn’t want more accessible healthcare or higher wages? But the devil’s in the details. Critics say their healthcare ideas would balloon government spending faster than a Black Friday shopping spree. And increasing the minimum wage might leave small businesses scrambling like they’re in the middle of a clearance sale with no buyers.

When it comes to “reproductive rights,” McBride isn’t just pro-choice—they’re practically leading the parade. For conservatives, this stance is a tough pill to swallow. Their policies are a slippery slope to more radical abortion laws that disregard the sanctity of life.

And their push for criminal justice reform? Reducing recidivism and offering expungements might sound nice, but for folks concerned about public safety, it feels like they’re tossing the keys back to people who just got out of the slammer. It’s a bit like fixing a cracked windshield by taking it off completely—sure, you can see clearly, but the wind in your face might not be so pleasant.

Final Verdict: Admirable Effort, but Buyer Beware

Sarah McBride has made a name for themselves, and they’ve certainly racked up some wins in Delaware politics. But it’s a mixed bag. If you like big government, progressive social policies, and think government knows best, you might see them as a rising star. If you’re more conservative, wary of expansive government programs, and believe in the importance of personal responsibility and fiscal restraint, then McBride might look more like a well-meaning but misguided politician.

In the end, it’s like they’re baking a cake and throwing in every ingredient from the pantry—sugar, flour, chocolate chips, and maybe even a dash of cayenne pepper. Some folks will love the bold flavor, while others might be left wondering why their cake tastes a bit… off.

And there you have it—a candid, balanced take on Sarah McBride’s record. Whether you love their policies or think they need more prayer and a pinch of common sense, you can’t deny that they’ve made waves. The question is whether those waves will lift all boats or just flood the kitchen.