Republicans Ran on Anti-Trans Issues. They Say They Haven’t Discussed Sarah McBride.

At least one House Republican has already purposefully misgendered McBride — the first openly trans member of Congress — and the chair of the House Administration Committee says “nobody’s brought” her security to his attention.

Sarah McBride
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had previously acknowledged that McBride’s security would need to be addressed. Pamela Smith/AP

House Democrats and their leadership are particularly concerned that one first-term lawmaker, Sarah McBride, will need an extra level of security as she becomes the first openly transgender member of Congress.

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had previously acknowledged that McBride’s security would need to be addressed following the November election, especially as Republicans hammered on anti-trans messaging this cycle. But the Republican in charge of security said that McBride hadn’t come up yet.

Rep. Bryan Steil, chair of the House Administration Committee, which handles congressional security, told reporters on Tuesday that the committee is trying to “stay ahead of any potential threats that are out there.” However, Steil — who is hoping to remain committee chair next term — told NOTUS that no conversations have been had on McBride’s security because “nobody’s brought it to my attention.” McBride told NOTUS in October that when she announced her candidacy for Delaware’s at-large seat, the state Capitol, where she currently serves as state senator, had to increase security.