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The Rainbow Wave makes it to the shores of the Delaware

November 6, 2020

It’s been called the Rainbow wave: nearly 850 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) candidates nationwide running for public elected offices. And on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020, that wave made it to the coastline of Delaware. The significant nature of three newly elected LGBT officials in Delaware mark several ‘firsts,’ accentuated by a very notable win by Sarah McBride(D-DE).  McBride handily won her primary and has now handed the First State yet another first to be lauded: the first transgender elected official to a State Senate in the Nation.

Joining in McBride’s historic LGBTQ victory in Delaware were Marie Pinkney, Democratic State Senate in the 13th district, which runs from just south of Wilmington down to Bear. (D-DE, District 13) and Eric Morrison, Delaware State House of Representatives, for the 27th District, in the Newark/Glasgow/Bear area (D-DE, 27th District), both also openly identify as LGBTQ.

As the only LGBTQ Community Center in southern Delaware and the DelMar peninsula, CAMP Rehoboth celebrates and applauds the election of openly LGBTQ people regardless of their party affiliation. It is an exciting opportunity for our community to come together and acknowledge both the strides made in the fight for equality, as well as the road and challenges we still have ahead of us.

Several CAMP Rehoboth staff remarked how powerful it was to hear McBride say: “I’ve never voted for someone like me before,” a comment McBride made after she voted for herself in the Delaware State Primary in early June.   “History has been made.” said David Mariner, Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth. “ LGBTQ Youth growing up in Delaware now know that their sexual orientation or gender identity is not a barrier to serving their neighbors as an elected official in the Delaware State Legislature."

Eric Morrison and Marie Pinkney both beat longtime incumbents during their Delaware primaries.  Their general election wins, in conjunction with McBride's, speak volumes to the sentiment of the good and fair-minded residents of Delaware choosing wisely.  

CAMP Rehoboth wishes to congratulate the three candidates and have invited all three to address the members of CAMP Rehoboth on a special celebratory Zoom call Wednesday evening  to briefly hear from each of the newly elected officials.

Sarah McBride spoke to CAMP Rehoboth staff member, Anita Broccolino, soon after her win. “McBride understands the momentous nature of her win and especially its meaning for the future of our community and our country. Her speech in 2016 at the Democratic National convention as the first openly transgender person to speak at a major party convention, was just the beginning of her history making. We are excited to celebrate with her and Eric and Marie on the Zoom call this evening.” 

"I am so excited to be joining Senator Pinkney and Representative Morrison at Legislative Hall and to form our state's first LGBTQ legislative caucus,” said McBride. “We know that representation is key and that diversity in our government is a sign of a true and healthy democracy. The results on Nov 3rd reflect that voters across Delaware are judging candidates based on their ideas, not their identities. They also send a powerful message to a young LGBTQ kid that the heart of our state is big enough to love them, too. We have accomplished a lot today on behalf of all Delawareans and I could not be more grateful for the outpouring of support our campaign received from Delaware's LGBTQ community. Together, we are ensuring that Delaware lives up to our values as a state of neighbors."

McBride ran her campaign on issues like infrastructure, improving schools, and healthcare, especially paid family and medical leave. Morrison and Pinkney both echoed similar issues of importance in their campaigns.  “All three were solid candidates and all three ran with those they serve in mind, vowing to keep their constituents at the forefront of their decisions. In this unprecedented year, CAMP Rehoboth applauds their efforts, dedication and willingness to serve. We wish them only the best as they begin this new chapter, representing all of us!" said Chris Beagle, President of the Board for CAMP Rehoboth.  

Today’s elections mark an important step forward for the rights and equality of all. CAMP Rehoboth remains proud of all in our community who ran for office, and have chosen to serve their communities with honesty, integrity and openness. 

 

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