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Sarah McBride's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Sarah McBride did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • "Health decisions belong in the exam room, not in the halls of a legislative body or in a courtroom. On the anniversary of Roe V Wade, I'm reminded of the threat to all of us when the right to bodily autonomy is stripped from women. We must elect a democratic trifecta this fall so we can do what the majority of Americans agree with — federally protect the right to abortion. We protected the right to abortion in Delaware, but let's be clear: the moment Republicans are in control, they will ban abortion federally. #RoeVWade" (x.com)
  • "The GOP's manufactured "Woke War on the Word Woman" is an attempt to distract from their actual War on Women that has resulted in the overturning of Roe, total opposition to policies that economically empower women, and unyielding fielty to a serial sexual abuser in Donald Trump." (x.com)
  • "We are facing a five-alarm fire for reproductive freedom in this country. But in the wake of Dobbs, we have seen a powerful force unleashed in this country to restore reproductive rights and gaurantee that everyone can get the health care that they need and deserve. I joined Planned Parenthood of Delaware and Clergy for Choice to affirm that Delawareans of faith - and many faith leaders - recognize that being pro choice and being a person of faith are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, for many of us, they go hand in hand." (x.com)
  • "What is freedom if not our ability to choose our own destiny. There is no true economic and social freedom without control over our bodies. 49 years after Roe - with the right to an abortion under attack - let us make clear that the right to choose is the foundation of freedom." (x.com)
  • "At a minimum, we should expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing while lowering the age of eligibility and providing a public option." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "Health care is a human right. In the wealthiest nation on earth, any person left without health coverage is a moral failing. In Congress, I will support any positive policy that advances our country toward the ultimate goal of universal coverage. At a minimum, we should expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing while lowering the age of eligibility and providing a public option." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "b) Do you support Medicaid expansion through Delaware's health care programs? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It's time to make our income tax system truly fair. Today, in Delaware, a person making $65,000 pays the same tax rate as a Delawarean making $5,000,000 a year. Wealthy Delawareans should pay their fair share." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "b) In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It's time to make our income tax system truly fair. Today, in Delaware, a person making $65,000 pays the same tax rate as a Delawarean making $5,000,000 a year. Wealthy Delawareans should pay their fair share." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "b) In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our criminal justice system should protect everyone equally, but unfortunately, it never truly has. That is why our system needs reform to right the wrongs of the past, foster public safety, and help put people on the path toward a brighter future. In Delaware, I’ve supported meaningful criminal justice reforms aimed at reducing recidivism, expanding expungements, and ensuring reintegration after incarceration. I have also supported expanding the use of police body cameras, pressed for reform in police training, and advocated for increased transparency in policing. I'll bring this experience to Congress and help make our criminal justice system work for everyone. I’ll vote to end mass incarceration, legalize marijuana and expunge convictions, and help to reimagine a system that prioritizes reentry and prevents recidivism." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Every worker deserves a living wage, basic protections, good benefits, and the support necessary for them to thrive. That is why Congress must increase the federal minimum wage to $15 and set it to rise with inflation. In Congress, I will fight to pass the critical policies that got cut from the Build Back Better Act like paid family and medical leave, universal childcare, and investments in housing and elder care." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "The American Dream is unaffordable and inaccessible for too many workers. Delawareans across our state are struggling under rising costs and insufficient wages. Our government is not doing enough to support people as they set off in their careers and seek to start a family." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "a) Do you support state government spending as a means of promoting economic growth? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Since flipping his Sussex district blue, Sen. Russ Huxtable has been a tireless champion for affordable housing, sustainability, and our state's green spaces. He knows we need proven leaders who have advanced tangible policy. I'm proud to have his support in this campaign." (x.com)
  • "Every worker deserves a living wage, basic protections, good benefits, and the support necessary for them to thrive. That is why Congress must increase the federal minimum wage to $15 and set it to rise with inflation. In Congress, I will fight to pass the critical policies that got cut from the Build Back Better Act like paid family and medical leave, universal childcare, and investments in housing and elder care." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "I will be a member of the Housing Committee. We can’t build healthy and prosperous communities without affordable housing for all." (x.com)
  • "I'm honored to have the support of my friend, Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha. Rep. Chukwuocha is a tireless champion of affordable health care, services for seniors and veterans, and affordable housing for his constituents. I'm so grateful to have his support." (x.com)
  • "As my state senator, I’ve seen Harris McDowell fight for landmark policies in support of working and middle class families, accessible higher ed, green energy, criminal justice reform, and civil rights. Congratulations, Senator, on a a remarkable career of public service! #NetDE" (x.com)
  • "Climate change poses an urgent threat to both our planet and our home, Delaware, the nation’s lowest-lying state. President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act was the single largest investment in green infrastructure and the most profound attempt to rescue our climate in history. Building on that progress must be a top priority for Delaware’s sole member of Congress." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "130,000 Delawareans carry student loan debt. For too long, students have had to navigate predatory behavior, confusing terms, and deceptive practices with ample support. That's why I introduced the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights." (x.com)
  • "Ah yes, the telltale sign of fascism is the precedent-based expansion of targeted student loan forgiveness not, say, a leader-inspired violent insurrection against a co-equal branch of government." (x.com)
  • "Our bill will extend DE's consumer protection laws to student loans and establish a watchdog for student loan borrowers. With broader action on student loans pending at the federal law, it's critical we do all we can at the state level to protect students, workers, and families." (x.com)
  • "So many are struggling under the crushing debt of student loans. The young people making these significant financial decisions deserve support, transparency, and protection -- which is why I've joined with Rep. @sophiekp4de to introduce the Student Loan Borrowers Bill of Rights." (x.com)
  • "Democracy is strongest when every citizen can make their voice heard. We can make our democracy more healthy and inclusive by removing barriers to voting and enacting strong protections against voter disenfranchisement in all its forms." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "In the General Assembly, I’ve fought to protect and enhance the right to vote because democracy is strongest when every citizen can make their voice heard. We can make our democracy healthier and more inclusive by removing barriers to voting and enacting strong protections against voter disenfranchisement in all its forms. I am so thankful to @DTVPAC for their support in my campaign for Congress and look forward to working with them to win our election and pass historic reforms." (x.com)
  • "When elected, I will co-sponsor and fight to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. These bills will protect voting rights and combat the issues compromising the integrity of our electoral system such as dark money politics, election denialism, and gerrymandering. In Congress, I will be a champion of free and fair elections and work to strengthen our Democracy." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "d) Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls? No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As my state senator, I’ve seen Harris McDowell fight for landmark policies in support of working and middle class families, accessible higher ed, green energy, criminal justice reform, and civil rights. Congratulations, Senator, on a a remarkable career of public service! #NetDE" (x.com)
  • "Climate change poses an urgent threat to both our planet and our home, Delaware, the nation’s lowest-lying state. President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act was the single largest investment in green infrastructure and the most profound attempt to rescue our climate in history. Building on that progress must be a top priority for Delaware’s sole member of Congress." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "In the House, I’ll fight to increase investment in renewable energy, make green technologies affordable and accessible for consumers and businesses, and ensure that the sustainable industries of the future employ a local and unionized workforce. In order to achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible, the United States must demonstrate commitment to both domestic action and global investment." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "I’m deeply honored to have the endorsement of House Assistant Democratic Leader @joeneguse. With leaders like him in the House, I know we can achieve universal health care and address climate change head-on." (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Few policies are more urgent and high stakes than gun safety policies. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, whether you are walking alone at night or going to school during the day. The truth is, when it comes to guns, our country has lost its common sense. We need Congress to step up and fight for the safety of our loved ones and children. We need Congress to pass common-sense gun safety laws." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "I am proud to have helped ban assault weapons in Delaware and pass the most significant gun safety package in the state’s history. When elected to Congress, I will vote to strengthen background checks, ban assault weapons, and institute safeguards to prevent dangerous individuals from getting guns." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "In a marathon session that lasted more than ten hours, we passed the most significant gun safety legislation in recent state history. No package of bills will stop every act of gun violence, but these bills will save lives." (x.com)
  • "Proud to vote for gun safety reforms yesterday and for so many other pieces of legislation that address the root causes of gun violence. We proved again that when we work hard and make our voices heard, we can make real change. This is what democracy looks like." (x.com)
  • "Health care is a human right. In the wealthiest nation on earth, any person left without health coverage is a moral failing. In Congress, I will support any positive policy that advances our country toward the ultimate goal of universal coverage. At a minimum, we should expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing while lowering the age of eligibility and providing a public option." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "In the wealthiest nation on earth, there is simply no excuse for any person to go without health care. We must never stop fighting for universal health care for every American." (x.com)
  • "I’m deeply honored to have the endorsement of House Assistant Democratic Leader @joeneguse. With leaders like him in the House, I know we can achieve universal health care and address climate change head-on." (x.com)
  • "We still have a long way to go until September, and we are not slowing down until the Democratic nomination is clinched. Together I know we can deliver health care for all, paid family and medical leave, and protect reproductive freedom in Congress. Huge thanks to everyone, supporters and staff, who have helped build this incredible campaign!" (x.com)
  • "In Delaware, I've championed paid leave, gun safety, and reproductive rights – but to fully address those issues, we need federal action. That's why I'm running for Congress. I joined MSNBC today to talk about the record-breaking support we've already received thanks to you!" (x.com)
  • "The fight does not end with universal coverage. No one should have to choose between their job and getting the care they need, which is why in Congress I will fight for guaranteed paid sick time and paid family and medical leave." (www.sarahmcbride.com)
  • "Voters judge candidates based on their ideas, not based on their identity. That's why I'm running a campaign focused on all of the issues that matter: affordable early childhood education, paid family and medical leave, gun safety, reproductive rights, and so many more." (x.com)
  • "We still have a long way to go until September, and we are not slowing down until the Democratic nomination is clinched. Together I know we can deliver health care for all, paid family and medical leave, and protect reproductive freedom in Congress. Huge thanks to everyone, supporters and staff, who have helped build this incredible campaign!" (x.com)
  • "Let’s cap the price of insulin for EVERYBODY at 35 dollars a month." #SOTU #sotu2023" (x.com)
  • "Proud to have joined so many neighbors at Lights for Liberty to call to end the unconscionable and illegal conditions our government has created at the border. We all need to speak out to end these horrific human rights violations against both children and adults." (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-choice a) Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes b) Do you support legalizing abortion when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
No c) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
d) Other or expanded principles:
No a) In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions?
Yes b) In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes c) Do you support legislation that would make the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refundable in Delaware?
It's time to make our income tax system truly fair. Today, in Delaware, a person making $65,000 pays the same tax rate as a Delawarean making $5,000,000 a year. Wealthy Delawareans should pay their fair share.
Yes a) Do you support a limit on campaign contributions to state candidates?
b) Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes c) Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
No d) Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
Yes e) Do you support automatic voter registration?
f) Other or expanded principles:
No a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
No b) Should an individual under 18 accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
No c) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
No d) Do you support the use of private prisons in Delaware?
No e) Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders?
f) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support state government spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
b) Do you support lowering state income taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
c) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
No d) Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits?
Yes e) Do you support an increase of the minimum wage of Delaware?
Yes f) Do you support requiring employers to provide paid family leave?
Yes g) Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
Yes h) Should stores be required to accept cash payments?
i) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support adopting federal education standards in Delaware?
b) Do you support state funding for charter schools?
Yes c) Do you support increasing teacher salaries AND/OR benefits in Delaware?
Yes d) Should immigrants unlawfully present in the United States who graduate from Delaware high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
e) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
Yes b) Do you support government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes c) Do you support increasing state funding for clean drinking water initiatives?
d) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Yes b) Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
No c) Should teachers be allowed to bring guns into the classroom after passing gun safety training?
Yes d) Should a license be required for gun ownership?
e) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Should the state government increase funding for treatment facilities to combat opioid abuse?
Yes b) Do you support Medicaid expansion through Delaware's health care programs?
Yes c) Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
Yes d) Do you support legislation that grants citizens the right to choose to die through euthanasia?
e) Do you support eliminating religious exemptions for vaccinations?
Yes f) Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
g) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Delaware's anti-discrimination laws?
Yes b) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Delaware's anti-discrimination laws?
Yes c) Do you support greater efforts by Delaware state government in closing the pay gap between men and women?
d) Other or expanded principles:
In the following area, please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top legislative priority and how you plan to fund it.
For Delaware to recover from this crisis and to build the economy of the future, we have to ensure that every Delawarean can take care of their health and attend a quality public school. We can make health care more accessible by passing paid family and medical leave. We must support our students by investing in high need schools and passing universal pre-k. As a caregiver to my husband during his battle with terminal cancer and as a graduate of Red Clay, I've seen the importance of these issues and the potential of our state.

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