A former cop has won the GOP primary in Delaware, setting up a face-off with a candidate who would be the first transgender person in Congress.

Delaware's House seat is being contested by retired state police officer James Whalen, who won a GOP primary, and trans Democrat Sarah McBride.

Since 2010, no Republican has held a statewide office in Delaware, and Whalen faces a challenging climb to become the first.

The GOP victor is likely to face McBride, who ran unopposed in the primary and raised the most funds.

In 2020, McBride became the first transgender state senator in the U.S. after winning election to the Delaware Senate. As an activist-turned politician, 33, McBride advocates for more diverse representation in Congress.

Since 2010, Democrats have held Delaware's House seat. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden won the state by 19 points over Donald Trump.

The debate over transgender policies, particularly concerning minors, has intensified, with Republican states enacting laws prohibiting or restricting gender transition services in recent years, citing potential long-term health consequences. Amidst this controversy, McBride's candidacy emerges.

Transgender athletes have advocated for laws mandating that they compete on sports teams based on their biological gender.

McBride argues the legislative push is an example of "far-right" extremism.

"In 2020, I became the first openly trans person elected to serve as a State Senator in the country. It felt like America was moving towards a brighter future. However, since then, the far-right has attempted to use the LGBTQ community as a scapegoat for their policy failures. As they have increased their attacks on families and children, it has become even clearer that our democracy needs to include everyone. If elected, I will be the first openly trans member in Congress."