Democrat Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Edison Research projected on Tuesday, winning election to Delaware's at-large seat. McBride,

McBride tells PEOPLE that getting elected to the House as an out transgender woman proves "this nation is big enough to love all of us"

McBride, meanwhile, has established a national profile as an LGBTQ activist and raised more than $3 million in campaign contributions from around the country. She achieved national recognition at the 2016 Democratic National Convention as the first openly transgender person to address a major party convention in the United States.

Sarah McBride, a Delaware state senator, is projected to become the first openly transgender U.S. House member after defeating Republican John Whalen III.

McBride defeated retired police officer John Whalen III, taking almost 58% of the vote when NBC called the race on Tuesday night.

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