Delaware forum sees candidate removed after misgendering Rep. McBride

A forum hosted by the Jewish Federation of Delaware and the Siegel Jewish Community Center in Wilmington became the first opportunity for candidates for Delaware's statewide offices in the general election. Republican U.S. House candidate Joe Arminio repeatedly referred to Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House, as “he” and “gentleman,” prompting a warning to follow the forum’s rules of decorum.

After another comment, Arminio was asked to leave the forum. McBride’s team emphasized to Action News that she did not want Arminio removed, but the organizers made the final decision to remove him. The incident echoes a similar misgendering that occurred in 2025 when Texas Republican Keith Self addressed McBride as “mister.”

Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mike Katz is now calling on Arminio to withdraw his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives. In a statement, he wrote, “We can disagree strongly about policy, politics, and the direction of our country. We can debate those differences vigorously. That is part of our democracy.” He added, “But disagreement is not an excuse for disrespect.” Arminio initially spoke to Action News Thursday night and said he would address the incident, but did not respond to the multiple efforts for comment Friday.

Read the full story at 6abc.com.