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Delaware U.S. House District 1

U.S. House Representative – as a member of the lower chamber of U.S. Congress, regulates interstate commerce, interstate communication, interstate transportation, the U.S. Mint, and the supply of money. The U.S. Congress creates courts and declares war on foreign countries. The primary function of the house representatives is to make laws. Duties vary according to their stature and party affiliation. Each House also has many committees that focus on a particular responsibility. Some examples include energy, veterans' affairs, housing and foreign relations. One of the most common duties of a representative is to act as a conduit between the federal government and the local authorities and residents of the areas they represent.Because of its small size, Delaware has only one representative in the U.S. House. Representatives are elected for two-year terms.

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  • Candidate picture

    Sarah McBride
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    John J. Whalen III
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What federal measures or actions do you support to affect the impact of climate change?

What role should the government play with regard to a woman's reproductive choices?

What measures would you enact to address the immigration issues facing this country?

What measures do you support to improve and secure elections and voting?

Please explain the measures, if any, you support to address gun violence.

Technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, is evolving at such a fast pace that it’s hard to regulate. What are your priorities when it comes to AI policy?

Campaign Website http://www.sarahmcbride.com
Campaign Phone 302-319-4828
Campaign Email sarah@sarahmcbride.com
Neighborhood/area of residence Wilmington
Education Cab Calloway School of the Arts and American University (BA)
Work Experience Delaware State Senator, 1st District (2020-present)
Additional Information Sarah currently represents fifty thousand of her neighbors in the First State Senate District. In the State Senate, she has led the way in proving that small states can do big things. Sarah led the passage of paid medical and family leave, changing the game for workers and families across the state. She also played a pivotal role in passing critical gun violence laws after Uvalde and has driven key efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. Sarah grew up in Wilmington and has worked for former Governor Jack Markell, the late Attorney General Beau Biden, in the Obama-Biden White House, and as a national spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign.
Campaign Twitter Handle @SarahEMcBride
Climate change poses an urgent threat to both our planet and our home, Delaware, the nation’s lowest-lying state. President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act was the single largest investment in green infrastructure and the most profound attempt to rescue our climate in history. Building on that progress must be a top priority for our sole member of Congress.

In the House, I’ll fight to increase investment in renewable energy, make green technologies affordable and accessible, and ensure that the sustainable industries of the future employ a local and unionized workforce. In order to achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible, the United States must demonstrate commitment to both domestic action and global investment.
As MAGA extremists continue to criminalize abortion, I will fight to protect the private relationship between a patient and their physician. I’ve proudly worked to make Delaware a safe haven for reproductive care by supporting and co-sponsoring every pro-choice bill that has come before me and been a champion of bills expanding access to reproductive care in Delaware. In Congress, I’ll fight for reproductive freedom for all.

We must take decisive action to bridge the gap in maternal health disparities, especially for women of color. In 2022, I helped expand Medicaid coverage for post-pregnancy care. In Congress, I will be a staunch advocate for coverage, including through Medicaid, for the full range of reproductive health care.
I support creating a clear, compassionate, and attainable pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who contribute to our society every day. These individuals deserve a chance to participate in the American dream.

I will fight to end policies that tear families apart and will advocate for the protection of family-based immigration to ensure loved ones can build their lives together in the United States.

I have, and will continue to, support reforms that provide work authorization and protection for Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers, many of whom have already proven their dedication to our country.
We can make our democracy more healthy and inclusive by removing barriers to voting and enacting strong protections against voter disenfranchisement in all its forms. In the Delaware General Assembly, I have joined many of my colleagues in passing vote by mail, early voting, and same-day voter registration.

When elected, I will co-sponsor and fight to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. These bills will protect voting rights and combat the issues compromising the integrity of our electoral system, like dark money politics, election denialism, and gerrymandering. In Congress, I will be a champion of free and fair elections to strengthen our Democracy.
As a State Senator, I supported and helped pass the largest expansion of gun safety measures in Delaware’s history. This comprehensive package included implementing a permit-to-purchase requirement, banning high-capacity magazines and bump stocks, eliminating loopholes that allowed guns in school zones, and strengthening background checks. These measures were crucial steps towards reducing gun violence and ensuring the safety of our communities.

In Congress, I will continue to advocate for these vital initiatives and support a federal assault weapons ban. Addressing gun violence requires a multi-faceted approach, and I am committed to pushing for policies that protect our citizens and promote responsible gun ownership.
When it comes to emerging technologies, my priorities as a legislator have always been to ensure a safe and equitable transition. In Congress, I am committed to supporting policies that support workers, health and safety, and the privacy of Americans. This includes implementing robust regulations to protect personal data, ensuring that AI advancements do not disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, and promoting transparency in AI development and deployment. Additionally, I will advocate for continuous oversight and updates to regulations to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI, ensuring that our policies remain relevant and effective in protecting our citizens.
Campaign Website http://www.whalende.com
Campaign Phone (302)947-4506
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