Key Points
- It seems likely that Republicans have recently targeted Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress from Delaware, through misgendering during a committee hearing.
- The evidence leans toward this incident involving Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) misgendering McBride as “Mr. McBride” on March 11, 2025, leading to a heated exchange and the hearing’s abrupt end.
- Research suggests this is part of a broader pattern, including bathroom bans and other attacks, highlighting controversy over transgender rights in Congress.
Background
Rep. Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, made history as the first openly transgender member of Congress, elected in November 2024 and sworn in January 2025. Known for her advocacy in healthcare and anti-discrimination laws, she has faced significant opposition from some Republican colleagues.
Recent Incident
On March 11, 2025, during a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing, Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) misgendered McBride by addressing her as “Mr. McBride.” McBride responded by calling Self “Madam Chair,” and Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.) challenged Self’s behavior, leading to the hearing’s early termination. This incident reflects ongoing tensions over transgender recognition in Congress.
Broader Context
This event is not isolated; earlier, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) proposed a bill to ban transgender women from using women’s bathrooms in the Capitol, targeting McBride, and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) enacted a similar ban. McBride has stated she will comply, focusing on her legislative duties for Delawareans, amid a Republican strategy some see as distracting from other issues.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Republican Targeting of Rep. Sarah McBride
This report provides an in-depth examination of the recent targeting of Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress, by Republican colleagues, focusing on the latest incident and its broader context. The analysis is based on recent news reports and official statements, aiming to capture the complexity and controversy surrounding transgender rights in the U.S. Congress as of March 12, 2025.
Profile of Rep. Sarah McBride
Rep. Sarah McBride, elected in November 2024 and sworn in January 2025, represents Delaware’s at-large congressional district. Prior to her congressional role, she served as a Delaware state senator from 2020 to 2025, passing significant legislation such as the Healthy Delaware Families Act, expanding access to healthcare and paid family leave. Her background includes advocacy work with the Human Rights Campaign, and she is recognized for her efforts in promoting mental health education, green technologies, and protecting workers and families (Congresswoman Sarah McBride).
McBride’s election marked a historic milestone as the first openly transgender member of Congress, a position that has placed her at the center of national debates on transgender rights. Her identity has been both a point of celebration and contention, particularly in the current political climate under a Republican-controlled Congress and the Trump administration.
The Latest Incident: Misgendering in Committee Hearing
On March 11, 2025, during a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on arms control and U.S. aid to Europe, chaired by Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas), a significant incident occurred. Self introduced McBride as “the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride,” misgendering her. McBride responded by addressing Self as “Madam Chair,” a satirical retort highlighting the misgendering. Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.), the ranking Democrat, intervened, demanding, “Have you no decency?” and insisting Self address McBride correctly. Self defended his action by citing House standards, stating, “We have set the standard on the House floor,” and later, in an X post, wrote, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female” (X post). Unable to resolve the conflict, Self adjourned the hearing abruptly (ABC News, NBC News, The Washington Post).
McBride later expressed disappointment, stating, “I was prepared to move forward with my questions for the Subcommittee on nuclear nonproliferation and US support for Democratic allies in Europe,” emphasizing her focus on legislative work rather than personal attacks (Salon.com).
Pattern of Attacks and Broader Context
This incident is part of a pattern of Republican actions targeting McBride and transgender rights. Two weeks after her election, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced a bill to ban transgender women from using women’s bathrooms in the Capitol, explicitly stating it was aimed at McBride. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) subsequently enacted a similar ban, which McBride has agreed to comply with, saying, “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms, I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families” (Sarah McBride – Wikipedia).
Additionally, there have been other instances of misgendering, such as Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) referring to McBride as “the gentleman from Delaware” during a February 2025 House floor speech, which McBride chose to ignore (Texas Tribune). These actions align with a broader Republican platform under the Trump administration, which has made attacks on transgender rights central, including executive orders recognizing only two sexes and bills restricting transgender youth in sports (The Guardian).
McBride has condemned these moves as “mean-spirited” and an “attempt to misdirect” from issues like healthcare costs and economic inequality, suggesting they are part of a strategy to distract from Republican policy priorities (NBC News). Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have accused Republicans of “bullying” McBride, calling for a focus on collaborative governance rather than personal attacks (The Advocate).
Implications and Reactions
The controversy underscores the polarized views on transgender rights in Congress. For McBride, these attacks highlight the challenges of being a trailblazer in a politically charged environment. She has expressed a desire to focus on substantive issues, such as her recent bipartisan bill, the Ending Scam Credit Repair Act, introduced with Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), aiming to protect consumers from fraudulent credit repair practices (NOTUS). This effort demonstrates her intent to bridge partisan divides despite the hostility.
Public and political reactions have been mixed. Democratic colleagues have defended McBride, with Keating’s intervention being a notable example, while Republican justifications, like Self’s, align with Trump administration policies. The incident has also drawn media attention, with outlets like Newsweek and The New York Times framing it as part of a broader assault on transgender rights.
Table: Key Incidents Targeting Rep. Sarah McBride
Below is a table summarizing key incidents of Republican targeting of McBride, based on available reports:
| Date | Incident | Key Figures Involved | Outcome/Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | Bill introduced to ban trans women from Capitol bathrooms | Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) | Enacted by Speaker Mike Johnson; McBride complies |
| Feb 2025 | Misgendered as “gentleman from Delaware” on House floor | Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) | McBride ignores, no immediate action |
| Mar 11, 2025 | Misgendered as “Mr. McBride” in committee hearing | Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas), Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.) | Hearing adjourned early; Democratic outcry |
This table illustrates the frequency and nature of attacks, highlighting the ongoing tension.
Conclusion
The targeting of Rep. Sarah McBride by Republican colleagues, particularly the recent misgendering incident, reflects a contentious debate over transgender rights in Congress. While McBride remains focused on her legislative agenda, these actions underscore the challenges faced by minority groups in politics and the need for dialogue to address such divisions. As of March 12, 2025, this issue continues to evolve, with potential implications for future legislative and social dynamics.
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