Delaware voters head to the polls Tuesday to pick their parties' nominees for the state's only U.S. House seat, with first-term Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride running unopposed in her primary and three Republicans competing for the chance to unseat her.

McBride, who made history as the first openly transgender member of Congress after winning the seat in 2024, is seeking a second term. She took over the Wilmington-based district from now-Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who vacated the seat after winning a Senate race that same year.

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On the Republican side, the primary features a familiar face: Earl Cooper, who ran against McBride in the 2024 Democratic primary and lost badly, capturing only 16% of the vote to McBride's 80%. Cooper has since switched parties and is now seeking the GOP nomination for a rematch.

Cooper faces two opponents: Dr. Joseph Arminio, a medical doctor, and John J. Whalen, a retired business owner who was the Republican nominee against McBride in the 2024 general election and lost by a wide margin. Whalen's previous run gives him some name recognition, but the primary is expected to be competitive.

Polls close at 8 p.m. EDT, and results will be tracked by Decision Desk HQ. The winner of the Republican primary will advance to face McBride in the November general election in a district that leans Democratic, making McBride a heavy favorite to retain the seat.

The primary comes as national attention focuses on postal service changes that could affect mail-in voting, though Delaware's election officials have said they are prepared to handle any disruptions. Voters have also been focused on economic issues, with GOP messaging increasingly centered on voter concerns about inflation and costs.

McBride's campaign has emphasized her work on healthcare and veterans' issues, while her Republican opponents have sought to paint her as too liberal for the district. But with no Democratic primary challenge, McBride can focus her resources on the general election.

Turnout is expected to be moderate, typical for a midterm primary in a non-presidential year. The race is one of several House primaries being watched for signs of voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms.

For more on the political landscape, see Chicago's mayoral race and wealth disparities among states that could influence voter priorities.