A Delaware candidate forum was thrown into turmoil Thursday night when Republican U.S. House candidate Joe Arminio repeatedly misgendered his Democratic opponent, Rep. Sarah McBride, who is a biological male in women’s clothing. The misgendering ultimately leading organizers to remove him from the event.
The forum was held at the Siegel Jewish Community Center in Wilmington and featured candidates competing for Delaware’s statewide offices in the general election. Arminio repeatedly referred to McBride, the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House, as a man.
Arminio Warned, Then Ejected
Forum organizers warned Arminio to follow the event’s rules of decorum. When he made another offending comment, he was asked to leave. According to the Delaware candidate forum removal, McBride himself said he did not want Arminio removed from the event.
McBride has served as a historic figure in Congress since becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. House. His race against Arminio has drawn national attention as a result.
Arminio Plans a Friday Response
Action News reached out to Arminio late Thursday night for comment. He said he plans to address the incident on Friday, but offered no immediate statement on his removal or his conduct during the forum.
The episode adds a charged moment to what is already a closely watched congressional race in Delaware. It remains to be seen whether Arminio’s comments and removal will affect his standing with voters heading into the general election.
Critics say McBride misgenders himself and that other people shouldn’t be forced to refer to a biological male as a woman.
