Congresswoman Sarah McBride will be the featured speaker at the 2025 James R. Soles Lecture on the Constitution and Citizenship taking place on Friday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m. in the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall, 100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark, DE 19716. McBride’s lecture is entitled “Hope in an Age of Cynicism.”

In January 2025, McBride made history as the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, she has focused on expanding healthcare access, protecting Medicaid and supporting small businesses and workers. She also co-sponsored and helped pass the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act, which advanced unanimously.

McBride grew up in Wilmington and from 2020-2025 was a state senator for the First State Senate District. As a state senator, McBride passed legislation expanding access to health care, requiring mental health and media literacy education in public schools, promoting green technologies, and protecting workers and families.

The James R. Soles Lecture is held annually around Constitution Day, which commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787. The lecture honors the deep and lasting impact of James R. Soles, a UD political science faculty member for more than 34 years.

The lecture will be immediately followed by a light reception. To confirm your attendance, please register online by Sept. 15, 2025. For questions, contact cas-events-team@udel.edu.