Rep. Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, is seeking a larger role in House Democratic leadership, asking colleagues to support the bid to become a co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, has made transgender policy a prominent part of a congressional profile. McBride currently serves as whip of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, while also holding a deputy whip position with the New Democrats Coalition.

The DPCC helps coordinate House Democrats’ policy priorities and communications strategy. A co-chair position would give McBride another prominent platform within the caucus as Democrats prepare for the 120th Congress.

McBride has frequently used the congressional platform to challenge Republican policies involving transgender Americans. In 2025, McBride opposed the Trump administration’s transgender military policy and introduced amendments seeking to reverse it. The congressional record also includes membership in the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Reproductive Freedom Caucus, among numerous other Democratic caucuses.

At the same time, McBride has worked on issues outside the culture-war debate, including health care, childcare and consumer protection. The McBride congressional office says the Delaware lawmaker previously helped pass bipartisan legislation involving Medicaid and paid family leave and has sponsored bipartisan federal legislation targeting credit-repair scams.

“I am in awe of our caucus and want to do what I can to make sure we hit the ground running with a unified message in the 120th Congress,” McBride wrote in the appeal to colleagues.

The bid would place a member who has become a prominent figure in debates over transgender policy in a Democratic leadership position responsible for helping shape the party’s messaging and legislative priorities. McBride is also seeking reelection to the Delaware House seat in November.