Delaware voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose their sole U.S. representative, with incumbent Democrat Sarah McBride seeking a second term against Republican challenger Joseph Arminio.
McBride, who made history as the first openly transgender member of Congress, is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. She previously served in the Delaware state Senate before winning the seat vacated by now-Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester.
Arminio, a medical doctor, secured the GOP nomination in September, defeating business owner John Whalen and former nominee Earl Cooper by about 15 points. His campaign drew national attention earlier this year when he repeatedly misgendered McBride during a candidate forum, leading to his removal after warnings—over McBride's objections.
The race is largely seen as a safe Democratic hold, as Delaware's at-large district has not elected a Republican to the House since 2010. However, national trends and narrowing generic ballot margins could make the contest more competitive than expected.
Political analysts point to early bellwether districts to gauge broader midterm momentum, but Delaware's small size and Democratic lean make it a less reliable indicator.
Voters are also weighing economic concerns, with cost of living emerging as a key issue for many. McBride has focused on healthcare and infrastructure, while Arminio has emphasized fiscal conservatism and local issues.
Election officials have prepared for potential misinformation challenges, with AI firms setting up war rooms to counter false narratives. Delaware's small population and close-knit political community may mitigate such risks.
Polls close at 8 p.m. EST. Results are expected quickly due to the state's size, but mail-in ballots could delay final counts in some counties.
Both campaigns have urged supporters to turn out, with McBride emphasizing her legislative record and Arminio positioning himself as a political outsider. The outcome will be closely watched as a test of Democratic strength in a blue state.
