By Brian Gilliland

REHOBOTH BEACH — As Delawareans head to the polls the primary election, the stakes have never been higher for LGBTQ+ representation in public office, David Mariner of Sussex Pride contends, particularly with the candidacy of Sarah McBride, who could become the first transgender person elected to Congress.

Only a few years ago, Mariner said in a release, Delaware had no openly LGBTQ+ individuals elected to state office. Since then, he continued, the landscape has transformed dramatically starting with the 2020 election of trailblazers Sarah McBride, Eric Morrison, and Marie Pinkney, all elected to the Delaware State Legislature.

This election cycle, Delawareans have the opportunity to build upon this progress at the federal, state, and local level, he explained.

According to Sussex Pride, several LGBTQ+ candidates are vying for elective office including: Eric Morrison Delaware State House of Representatives District 27; DeShanna Neal Delaware State House of Representatives District 13; Kerri Evelyn Harris Delaware State Senate District 32; Marty Rendon Delaware State House of Representatives District 14; Claire Snyder-Hall Delaware State House of Representatives District 14; and Jane Gruenbaum Sussex County Council District 3.

Sussex Pride said it does not endorse specific candidates, but does acknowledge the impact made by LGBTQ candidates at all levels of government. 

Department of Elections