DELAWARE -This article has been updated to include a response from Sarah McBride.
A forum designed to be the first opportunity for candidates for Delaware's statewide offices in the general election season took a nasty turn, after a candidate for the U.S. House misgendered his opponent.
Republican "Dr. Joe" Arminio referred to Rep. Sarah McBride (D) using the term "his", and then later a "gentleman", before he was asked to leave the candidates form hosted by the Jewish Federation of Delaware at the Siegel Jewish Community Center in Talleyville Thursday night.
The first time Republican US House candidate “Dr. Joe” Arminio referred to Rep. Sarah McBride (D) as a man during Thursday’s debate at the Siegel Jewish Community Center in Talleyville. He was warned for his comment. #netde pic.twitter.com/j4EaMOL84W
— Sean Greene (@SeanGreeneWDEL) September 18, 2026
"I'm sorry to have to say that the representative from Delaware, through the net of his comments and his actions, on balance has contributed....."
At that point, the crowd of about 100 people largely started booing Arminio, who then finished,"I would like to show respect to the speaker, that would be nice."
McBride is the first openly transgender member of the United States House of Representatives. On Friday, Sept. 18 she posted on Facebook, "I am always so proud to represent Delaware and Delawareans. Nothing - and certainly not politicians seeking to go viral - will ever distract me from my laser focus on lowering the cost of gas, groceries, housing, childcare, and healthcare."
Moderator Ken Grant waited until Arminio was finished, then said"this is your final warning, if you fail to show respect to anyone else on this stage, you'll be asked to leave."
Dr. Michael Katz, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate had his opening statement next, and addressed Arminio's comments.
"I would like to apologize to everybody here and everybody else on this stage. As a physician, I believe in our common humanity and respect for each other. I feel that pain over those comments, and my apologies."
Following the forum, Katz called for Arminio to exit the race.
"Those who seek to represent Delaware must demonstrate integrity, judgment, decency, and respect - even toward people with whom they profoundly disagree. For these reasons, I am calling on Joseph Arminio to withdraw his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives."
During the answer to his first question during the forum, Arminio responded "I committed an error before, and I do acknowledge it. It's not the first error I've made in this campaign, or at any point in my future life."
If he felt it was an error, it only took him 12 minutes to make it again.
While talking about rising healthcare costs being a "catastrophe", he pointed to Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. Sarah McBride.
"The reason it is is because gentlemen like the two up here with me in the Democratic Party, and the Republican Party..."
Arminio was cut off by the crowd, and ultimately had his mic cut off, being told he had been warned by Moderator Grant
As he started to leave the stage, Rep. McBride attempted to intervene.
"I want to say here, I don't want this gentleman to not have the ability to..."
Arminio said he appreciated McBride's stance, but was still told to leave.
McBride has been the victim of misgendering before, including when House Foreign Affairs Chairman Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) introduced "Mr. McBride" during a meeting in 2025.
