Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Republican U.S. House nominee Joe Arminio was removed from a Delaware candidate forum after repeatedly using male terms for Rep. Sarah McBride. She asked that he stay; organizers cited a warning to show respect; fellow Republican Mike Katz urged Arminio to withdraw.
Claim in dispute
The requirement that candidates treat everyone on stage with respect was clear to the campaigns in advance, and it was applied to Arminio as it would have been to any candidate, of any party, on any subject.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Arminio won the September 15 Republican primary for the seat, defeating the state party’s endorsed candidate, Earl Cooper, and John Whalen, the party’s 2024 nominee (Delaware Public Media (opens in a new tab)). He is a Wilmington native and political scientist who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Maryland in 2008 (The Philadelphia Inquirer (opens in a new tab)). McBride took office in 2025 and is seeking a second term; in 2025, Rep. Keith Self called her “Mr. McBride” during a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing (Delaware Public Media (opens in a new tab)). Katz, a former Democratic state senator, is the state party’s endorsed Republican candidate for U.S. Senate (The Philadelphia Inquirer (opens in a new tab)).
The Jewish Federation of Delaware’s Jewish Community Relations Committee coordinates the forum every two years with the Wilmington Chapter of Hadassah (Jewish Federation of Delaware (opens in a new tab)). Before the candidates spoke, Grant said on the livestream that “all the campaigns received and agreed to the guidelines” and read what he called “just a few of the important ground rules,” covering time limits, the question process and a code of conduct for audience members (recording (opens in a new tab)). The rules he read aloud did not include a requirement that candidates show respect to one another. Grant later told the Inquirer that the ground rules shared with candidates in advance were clear: “treat everyone on stage with respect.” We could not locate the written guidelines the campaigns received.
The positions differ on what the conduct warranted. Grant has said the rule was applied as it would have been to any candidate; Katz has said Arminio repeated the conduct after acknowledging it and receiving an explicit warning; McBride has said she did not want him removed and that his removal was not a byproduct of her request. Arminio told 6abc he planned to address the incident on Friday (6abc (opens in a new tab)). We could not locate a public response from him or his campaign as of September 19, and the chair of the state Republican Party did not respond to Spotlight Delaware’s request for comment (Spotlight Delaware (opens in a new tab)).
People in this case
Sarah McBrideDirectly involved
Timeline
6 timeline entries on this page. Dates: September 15, 2026 to September 18, 2026
September 2026
6 events
Arminio wins the Republican primary for Delaware’s U.S. House seat
Joseph Arminio won the Republican primary for Delaware’s at-large U.S. House seat, defeating the state party’s endorsed candidate, Earl Cooper, and John Whalen, the party’s 2024 nominee. He will face Rep. Sarah McBride, the Democratic incumbent and the first openly transgender member of Congress, in November. It was his first run for office in Delaware.
[01]Republican Arminio ejected from candidate forum after misgendering Rep. McBride
Source excerpt
his removal from the stage was not a byproduct of my request
Delaware Public Media's report. It quotes McBride, and attributes to remarks she made to the outlet after the forum her statement that Arminio's removal “was not a byproduct of my request.” It reports that Arminio “apologized” after the first remark; the recording captures him acknowledging an error and does not include an apology.
[02]Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Source excerpt
When a candidate declined to do so after a clear and public warning, the rules were applied
The Philadelphia Inquirer's report. It carries moderator Ken Grant's statement that the ground rules shared with candidates in advance were to “treat everyone on stage with respect,” and reports that Arminio did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride · The Philadelphia InquirerFull articleThe Jewish Federation of Delaware’s candidates forum begins
Incident
The Jewish Federation of Delaware’s Jewish Community Relations Committee and the Wilmington Chapter of Hadassah hold a candidates forum at the Siegel Jewish Community Center in Wilmington, with candidates for attorney general, state treasurer, auditor of accounts, U.S. Senate and U.S. House. Moderator Ken Grant describes it as “an opportunity to express and hear issues in a civil way,” says all campaigns “received and agreed to the guidelines,” and reads what he calls “just a few of the important ground rules”: time limits, the question-card process, his discretion over follow-up questions and a code under which audience members who disrupt the event will be asked to leave. The rules he reads aloud do not include a requirement that candidates show respect to one another.
[03]Candidates Forum: moderator Ken Grant reads the ground rules
Source excerpt
All the campaigns received and agreed to the guidelines, but I think it's important to highlight just a few of the important ground rules.
Moderator Ken Grant's introduction before the first-half candidates spoke. He describes the forum as “an opportunity to express and hear issues in a civil way,” says all campaigns “received and agreed to the guidelines,” and reads what he calls “just a few of the important ground rules”: opening and closing time limits, the question-card process, his discretion over follow-up questions and a code of conduct under which audience members who disrupt the event will be asked to leave. The rules read aloud do not include a requirement that candidates show respect to one another, and neither does his shorter reminder before the second half. We could not locate the written guidelines the campaigns received.
Candidates Forum: moderator Ken Grant reads the ground rules · Jewish Federation of Delaware00:36:20–00:39:30; second-half reminder 01:32:38–01:33:20[04]Candidates Forum — Jewish Federation of Delaware event page
Source excerpt
Federation's Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC) coordinates the Candidates Forum every two years in collaboration with Wilmington Chapter of Hadassah.
The organizers' announcement of the September 17, 2026 forum, 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Siegel JCC, listing candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, attorney general, state treasurer and auditor of accounts. It links the livestream recording.
Candidates Forum — Jewish Federation of Delaware event page · Jewish Federation of DelawareEvent listingArminio uses male terms for McBride and the moderator issues a final warning
Incident
In his opening statement Arminio refers to McBride as “his” (“the representative from Delaware, through the net of his comments and his actions”) and the audience boos. He says “I would like to show respect to the speaker, that would be nice.” Later in the statement the recording captures the words “he’s accomplished,” then “she is accomplished,” and Arminio saying “Thank you for the correction.” Moderator Ken Grant then says: “This is your final warning. If you fail to show respect to anyone else on this stage, you will be asked to leave.” Mike Katz, opening for the U.S. Senate candidates, apologizes to the audience and to “everybody else on the stage” for the comments.
[05]Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning
Source excerpt
I would like to show respect to the speaker, that would be nice.
Joseph Arminio's three-minute opening statement as the second-half U.S. House candidate, identified on his table placard. In it he refers to Rep. Sarah McBride as “his” (“the representative from Delaware, through the net of his comments and his actions”), the audience reacts, and he says “I would like to show respect to the speaker, that would be nice.” Later in the statement the recording captures the words “he's accomplished,” then “she is accomplished,” then Arminio saying “Thank you for the correction.” Moderator Ken Grant then says “We saw an example over the past hour of candidates acting with decorum and with respect towards each other. This is your final warning.” Mike Katz, opening for the U.S. Senate candidates, apologizes to “everybody here and everybody else on the stage” for the comments. The only use of “sorry” in Arminio's remarks in this half is the phrase “I'm sorry to have to say that the representative from Delaware…” that opens the sentence containing the first male terms.
Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:36:40–01:40:50[06]Republican Arminio removed from forum after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride twice
Source excerpt
Arminio said he appreciated McBride's stance, but was still told to leave.
WDEL's report, the first to break the story according to the Washington Blade. It quotes Arminio, the moderator and Katz, and reproduces Katz's statement in full.
[02]Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Source excerpt
When a candidate declined to do so after a clear and public warning, the rules were applied
The Philadelphia Inquirer's report. It carries moderator Ken Grant's statement that the ground rules shared with candidates in advance were to “treat everyone on stage with respect,” and reports that Arminio did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride · The Philadelphia InquirerFull articleArminio says “gentlemen,” his microphone is cut and he is removed
Incident
About nine minutes after the warning Arminio says in an answer that he “committed an error.” About eleven minutes after that, answering a question on health care, he says “gentlemen like the two here on this, up here with me on the Democratic Party, and in the Republican Party.” The Philadelphia Inquirer, WDEL and Spotlight Delaware report that he pointed at McBride and Sen. Chris Coons. The audience interrupts, the moderator says Arminio was warned and asks for his microphone to be cut. McBride says she does not want Arminio to be unable to speak; Katz has said he “called from the stage for the moderator to remove him.” Arminio is asked to leave and the forum continues without him.
[07]Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal
Source excerpt
Listen, I just want to say here, I don't want this gentleman to not be able to have the ability to…
Answering a question on health care, Arminio says “gentlemen like the two here on this, up here with me on the Democratic Party, and in the Republican Party,” then “may I finish please?” The moderator says he was warned and asks for the microphone to be cut. Rep. Sarah McBride says “Listen, I just want to say here, I don't want this gentleman to not be able to have the ability to…” and is cut off by a call to remove Arminio, which Mike Katz has said he made from the stage. Arminio says “I appreciate that” and the forum continues without him. The recording's fixed camera does not show whom Arminio gestured toward; The Philadelphia Inquirer, WDEL and Spotlight Delaware report that he pointed at McBride and Sen. Chris Coons.
Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:59:38–02:00:35[08]Candidates Forum: Arminio says he “committed an error”
Source excerpt
I stood in error, or I committed an error before, and I would acknowledge it.
The first sentences of Arminio's answer to a policy question, nearly nine minutes after the moderator's final warning. He does not say what the error was, and goes on to the economy.
Candidates Forum: Arminio says he “committed an error” · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:48:42–01:49:02[06]Republican Arminio removed from forum after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride twice
Source excerpt
Arminio said he appreciated McBride's stance, but was still told to leave.
WDEL's report, the first to break the story according to the Washington Blade. It quotes Arminio, the moderator and Katz, and reproduces Katz's statement in full.
[02]Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Source excerpt
When a candidate declined to do so after a clear and public warning, the rules were applied
The Philadelphia Inquirer's report. It carries moderator Ken Grant's statement that the ground rules shared with candidates in advance were to “treat everyone on stage with respect,” and reports that Arminio did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride · The Philadelphia InquirerFull articleKatz calls on Arminio to withdraw from the race
Reaction
Following the forum, Katz, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, issues a statement calling on Arminio to withdraw his candidacy for the U.S. House. He says that a candidate who is given an opportunity to correct his conduct, acknowledges his mistake, receives an explicit warning and then repeats the conduct raises “serious concerns about the standards we should expect from those who seek to represent us.” Spotlight Delaware reports that the call angered many Republican supporters.
[09]Dr. Mike Katz for US Senate: statement calling for Arminio's withdrawal
Source excerpt
For these reasons, I am calling on Joseph Arminio to withdraw his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives.
Statement posted to Katz’s campaign page on the evening of the forum. It recounts what he said from the stage, says Arminio “acknowledged that he had made an error,” was warned, and “then did it again,” and says that he “called from the stage for the moderator to remove him from the forum.” Reproduced in full by WDEL. The wording it gives for his on-stage apology differs slightly from the recording.
[06]Republican Arminio removed from forum after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride twice
Source excerpt
Arminio said he appreciated McBride's stance, but was still told to leave.
WDEL's report, the first to break the story according to the Washington Blade. It quotes Arminio, the moderator and Katz, and reproduces Katz's statement in full.
[10]DE GOP nominee called to drop out after misgendering opponent
Source excerpt
McBride’s team referred WHYY News to the congresswoman’s posted statement and declined to comment further.
WHYY's report. It says the forum was co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Delaware and the Wilmington Chapter of Hadassah, quotes Katz's apology and statement, and says McBride's office referred it to her posted statement.
McBride and the moderator respond; Arminio has not
Reaction
McBride posts that “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,” and tells Delaware Public Media that Arminio’s removal “was not a byproduct of my request.” Grant tells The Philadelphia Inquirer the rule was applied “as they would have been for any candidate, of any party, on any subject.” Arminio, who told 6abc he planned to address the incident on Friday, did not respond to requests for comment from The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Spotlight Delaware or WHYY, and the state Republican Party chair did not respond to Spotlight Delaware. We could not locate a public response from either as of September 19.
[11]Sarah McBride on X: “Nothing – and certainly not politicians seeking to go viral”
Source excerpt
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.
Posted the morning after the forum. It does not name Arminio or the forum. WHYY and The Hill report that McBride's office pointed reporters to it as her response, and WHYY and The Philadelphia Inquirer describe it as her statement on the incident.
Sarah McBride on X: “Nothing – and certainly not politicians seeking to go viral”Full text of the post[01]Republican Arminio ejected from candidate forum after misgendering Rep. McBride
Source excerpt
his removal from the stage was not a byproduct of my request
Delaware Public Media's report. It quotes McBride, and attributes to remarks she made to the outlet after the forum her statement that Arminio's removal “was not a byproduct of my request.” It reports that Arminio “apologized” after the first remark; the recording captures him acknowledging an error and does not include an apology.
[10]DE GOP nominee called to drop out after misgendering opponent
Source excerpt
McBride’s team referred WHYY News to the congresswoman’s posted statement and declined to comment further.
WHYY's report. It says the forum was co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Delaware and the Wilmington Chapter of Hadassah, quotes Katz's apology and statement, and says McBride's office referred it to her posted statement.
[02]Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Source excerpt
When a candidate declined to do so after a clear and public warning, the rules were applied
The Philadelphia Inquirer's report. It carries moderator Ken Grant's statement that the ground rules shared with candidates in advance were to “treat everyone on stage with respect,” and reports that Arminio did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride · The Philadelphia InquirerFull article
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
The requirement that candidates treat everyone on stage with respect was clear to the campaigns in advance, and it was applied to Arminio as it would have been to any candidate, of any party, on any subject.
Sources (3)
- Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride · The Philadelphia InquirerFull article
- Candidates Forum: moderator Ken Grant reads the ground rules · Jewish Federation of Delaware00:36:20–00:39:30; second-half reminder 01:32:38–01:33:20
- Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:36:40–01:40:50
Disputed claim
Arminio should withdraw from the race, because he repeated the conduct after acknowledging his mistake and receiving an explicit warning.
Disputed claim
Arminio was not serious in the debate and was trying to get attention and go viral.
Sources (2)
- Sarah McBride on X: “Nothing – and certainly not politicians seeking to go viral”Full text of the post
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 4. Dates: September 17, 2026 to September 18, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
5 responses on this page
Sarah McBrideDirectly involved"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."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Sarah McBride on X: “Nothing – and certainly not politicians seeking to go viral”Full text of the postOpen source (opens in a new tab)DE GOP nominee called to drop out after misgendering opponentFull articleOpen source (opens in a new tab)Republican misgenders McBride at candidate forum before removal · The HillFull articleMinimizedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Why this label?
Relative to the case’s fixed reference point — Arminio’s use of male terms for McBride at the forum after correction and warning, and his removal for it — McBride’s post downplays the episode’s importance (“Nothing … will ever distract me”) and characterizes the conduct as seeking to go viral. It does not name Arminio or the forum; it is included because her office pointed reporters to it as her response, and WHYY and The Philadelphia Inquirer describe it as her statement on the incident. The closest competing label is explicitly_declines, because the post redirects to policy; it loses because the post also characterizes the conduct rather than only refusing to address it.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
The morning after the forum, McBride posted that she is proud to represent Delaware and that nothing — “and certainly not politicians seeking to go viral” — will distract her from lowering the cost of gas, groceries, housing, childcare and health care. The post does not name Arminio or the forum; her office referred reporters to it as her response.
Role at the time: Democratic U.S. representative for Delaware, posting on her X account
Before the statement
The previous evening Arminio had been removed from the forum after using male terms for McBride. In her closing statement at the forum, McBride had referred to “politicians who want to create fights on petty, stupid things” and “people who want to go viral,” without naming Arminio. Her office referred WHYY and The Hill to this post rather than commenting further.
After the statement
Arminio did not respond to requests for comment from WHYY, The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer or Spotlight Delaware at the time of their reports.
Sarah McBride on X: “Nothing – and certainly not politicians seeking to go viral”Full text of the postRepublican misgenders McBride at candidate forum before removal · The HillFull article- Sarah McBrideDirectly involved
"I strongly believe that when you allow people to show you who they are they will do so, and I think my opponent was showing himself to be not serious in this debate … I've dealt with people like that in Washington, I know what they're trying to do: They're trying to get attention [and] go viral … I have thick skin; I can handle things. That doesn't mean what he was doing or saying was right or appropriate... but I thought it was important to make clear that his removal from the stage was not a byproduct of my request."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Republican Arminio ejected from candidate forum after misgendering Rep. McBrideFull articleWatch the original video (opens in a new tab)Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:59:38–02:00:35Open source (opens in a new tab)DE GOP nominee called to drop out after misgendering opponentFull articleMixed or conditionalCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Why this label?
Relative to the case’s fixed reference point — Arminio’s use of male terms for McBride at the forum after correction and warning, and his removal for it — McBride takes both sides. She says what Arminio was doing or saying was not “right or appropriate,” a criticism of the conduct, and says he was showing himself “not serious in this debate.” She also asked on stage that he not be removed and says the removal was not a byproduct of her request, so she does not endorse the sanction the conduct drew. The closest competing labels are condemns, which loses because she opposes the removal, and minimizes, which loses because she says the conduct was not right or appropriate rather than downplaying it. Her September 18 post is recorded separately.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Delaware Public Media reported McBride’s account of why she asked that Arminio not be removed. She said that allowing people to speak lets them “show you who they are,” that Arminio was “showing himself to be not serious in this debate,” and that people like that in Washington are trying to “get attention [and] go viral.” She said she has “thick skin” and that this “doesn’t mean what he was doing or saying was right or appropriate,” but that she wanted it clear that his removal “was not a byproduct of my request.”
Role at the time: Democratic U.S. representative for Delaware and Arminio’s opponent, quoted by Delaware Public Media
Before the statement
On stage, as Arminio’s microphone was being cut, McBride said: “Listen, I just want to say here, I don’t want this gentleman to not be able to have the ability to…” and was interrupted by a call to remove him.
After the statement
McBride went on to answer the next question, on prior authorization, and in her closing statement referred to “politicians who want to create fights on petty, stupid things” and “people who want to go viral,” without naming Arminio. Delaware Public Media attributes the last passage to remarks she made to it after the forum; it does not say where the earlier passages were said.
Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:59:38–02:00:35 Ken GrantDirectly involved "treat everyone on stage with respect. … When a candidate declined to do so after a clear and public warning, the rules were applied — as they would have been for any candidate, of any party, on any subject."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride · The Philadelphia InquirerFull articleWatch the original video (opens in a new tab)Candidates Forum: moderator Ken Grant reads the ground rules · Jewish Federation of Delaware00:36:20–00:39:30; second-half reminder 01:32:38–01:33:20Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:36:40–01:40:50CondemnedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Why this label?
Relative to the case’s fixed reference point — Arminio’s use of male terms for McBride at the forum after correction and warning, and his removal for it — Grant condemns the conduct, describing it as a refusal to treat everyone on stage with respect after a clear warning, and defends the removal as the even-handed application of a rule. Following this dossier’s convention that a position on the removal is a position on the conduct that drew it, support for the removal is recorded as condemnation of the conduct. The closest competing label is defends_or_excuses, which loses because what Grant defends is the response, not the conduct under scrutiny.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
In a statement to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Grant, who moderated the forum, said the ground rules shared with candidates in advance were clear: “treat everyone on stage with respect.” He said Arminio declined to do so after a clear and public warning and that the rules were applied as they would have been for any candidate, of any party, on any subject. He asked that attention remain on the nine candidates who “spent the evening answering voters’ questions thoughtfully and civilly.”
Role at the time: Moderator of the Jewish Federation of Delaware candidates forum, in a statement to The Philadelphia Inquirer
Before the statement
Grant had warned Arminio on stage — “This is your final warning. If you fail to show respect to anyone else on this stage, you will be asked to leave” — after Arminio used male terms for McBride, and asked for Arminio’s microphone to be cut after a second instance. The rules Grant read aloud before the forum covered time limits, the question process and audience conduct, and he said all campaigns “received and agreed to the guidelines.”
After the statement
The Inquirer reported that McBride had said on stage she wanted Arminio to stay and that organizers “held firm.” The statement as reported does not address McBride’s request. We could not locate the written guidelines the campaigns received.
Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride · The Philadelphia InquirerFull articleCandidates Forum: moderator Ken Grant reads the ground rules · Jewish Federation of Delaware00:36:20–00:39:30; second-half reminder 01:32:38–01:33:20Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:36:40–01:40:50Michael KatzDirectly involved "When someone seeking public office is given an opportunity to correct his conduct, acknowledges his mistake, receives an explicit warning, and then repeats that conduct, it raises serious concerns about the standards we should expect from those who seek to represent us. … For these reasons, I am calling on Joseph Arminio to withdraw his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Dr. Mike Katz for US Senate: statement calling for Arminio's withdrawalFull postOpen source (opens in a new tab)Republican Arminio removed from forum after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride twiceFull articleOpen source (opens in a new tab)DE GOP nominee called to drop out after misgendering opponentFull articleWatch the original video (opens in a new tab)Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:36:40–01:40:50Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:59:38–02:00:35CondemnedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Why this label?
Relative to the case’s fixed reference point — Arminio’s use of male terms for McBride at the forum after correction and warning, and his removal for it — Katz condemns. He calls Arminio’s remarks misgendering, says he repeated the conduct after acknowledging his mistake and receiving an explicit warning, backs the removal, and calls on him to withdraw. The call for withdrawal goes beyond the forum removal to Arminio’s candidacy; that is recorded in the statement rather than the label.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
In a statement posted the evening of the forum, Katz, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, said Arminio had misgendered McBride, acknowledged a mistake, received an explicit warning and “then did it again,” and that he had “called from the stage for the moderator to remove him.” He said disagreement “is not an excuse for disrespect” and called on Arminio to withdraw his candidacy for the U.S. House.
Role at the time: Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Delaware and a candidate on stage at the forum, in a campaign statement
Before the statement
On stage, opening his remarks after Arminio’s first male terms for McBride, Katz said: “I’d just like to apologize to everybody here and everybody else on the stage. As a physician, I believe in, recognize our common humanity and respect for each other. And so I feel that pain over those comments. My apologies for it.” His written statement quotes those remarks with slightly different wording.
After the statement
Spotlight Delaware reported that the state Republican Party chair, Gene Truono, did not respond to requests for comment and that many commenters on Katz’s post criticized him for the call. We could not locate a public response from Arminio.
Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:36:40–01:40:50Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:59:38–02:00:35Joseph ArminioDirectly involved "Well, first, let me say that I stood in error, or I committed an error before, and I would acknowledge it. And it's not the first error I've made or I'm going to make in this campaign or at any point in my future life."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)Candidates Forum: Arminio says he “committed an error” · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:48:42–01:49:02Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:36:40–01:40:50Mixed or conditionalCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Why this label?
Relative to the case’s fixed reference point — Arminio’s use of male terms for McBride at the forum after correction and warning, and his removal for it — Arminio’s answer is mixed. He concedes an error, a partial acknowledgment of the conduct at issue. But he does not say what the error was, does not apologize, generalizes it as “not the first error I’ve made or I’m going to make,” and moves to another subject. The closest competing labels are condemns, which loses because he does not criticize or reject the conduct, and minimizes, which loses because he calls it an error rather than downplaying its seriousness. About eleven minutes later he used a male term for McBride again.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Beginning an answer nearly nine minutes after the moderator’s final warning, Arminio said he had “committed an error” and would acknowledge it, and that it was not the first he had made “or I’m going to make” in the campaign. He did not say what the error was and went on to the economy. About eleven minutes later, in another answer, he again used a male term for McBride.
Role at the time: Republican nominee for Delaware’s at-large U.S. House seat, answering a question at the candidates forum
Before the statement
In his opening statement Arminio had referred to McBride as “his” and, later in the statement, said “Thank you for the correction.” Moderator Ken Grant had told him: “This is your final warning. If you fail to show respect to anyone else on this stage, you will be asked to leave.” Mike Katz had apologized to the audience for the comments.
After the statement
Arminio continued: “Now, what I would like to see from all Americans is outrage when a major act of dishonesty takes place in Washington, D.C.,” and turned to the economy. About eleven minutes later he said “gentlemen like the two here on this, up here with me on the Democratic Party, and in the Republican Party,” and was removed. Delaware Public Media reported that he “apologized” after the first remark; the recording captures him acknowledging an error but does not include an apology, and the only use of “sorry” in his remarks is “I’m sorry to have to say that the representative from Delaware…” at the start of the sentence containing the first male terms.
Candidates Forum: Arminio says he “committed an error” · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:48:42–01:49:02Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:36:40–01:40:50
Sources
(13)
Original video
Jewish Federation of Delaware Candidates Forum, September 17, 2026 (livestream recording)
Relevant passage: Full recording (2:26:30); ground rules 00:36:20–00:39:30; Arminio's opening statement and the final warning 01:36:40–01:40:20; his removal 01:59:38–02:00:35
Excerpt
"This is your final warning. If you fail to show respect to anyone else on this stage, you will be asked to leave."
About this source
Livestream recording of the Jewish Federation of Delaware's candidates forum, held with the Wilmington Chapter of Hadassah at the Siegel Jewish Community Center in Wilmington. Candidates for attorney general, state treasurer and auditor of accounts spoke in the first half; candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S. House spoke in the second. The recording is hosted by the forum's video contractor and is linked from the Federation's event page; its description says playback from that channel will be disabled once an edited version is uploaded to the Federation's own channel.
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- O.K. Video
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Reporting
Republican misgenders McBride at candidate forum before removal
Relevant passage: Full article
Excerpt
"Arminio’s campaign did not respond to The Hill’s request for immediate comment."
About this source
The Hill's report. It quotes Arminio's opening remark and reports that McBride's office deferred to her Friday social media statement.
- Author
- Mira Bhakta
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Reporting
Republican House candidate removed from panel after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Relevant passage: Full article
Excerpt
"When a candidate declined to do so after a clear and public warning, the rules were applied"
About this source
The Philadelphia Inquirer's report. It carries moderator Ken Grant's statement that the ground rules shared with candidates in advance were to “treat everyone on stage with respect,” and reports that Arminio did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
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- Emily Bloch
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Reporting
DE GOP nominee called to drop out after misgendering opponent
Relevant passage: Full article
Excerpt
"McBride’s team referred WHYY News to the congresswoman’s posted statement and declined to comment further."
About this source
WHYY's report. It says the forum was co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Delaware and the Wilmington Chapter of Hadassah, quotes Katz's apology and statement, and says McBride's office referred it to her posted statement.
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Reporting
Republican Arminio ejected from candidate forum after misgendering Rep. McBride
Relevant passage: Full article
Excerpt
"his removal from the stage was not a byproduct of my request"
About this source
Delaware Public Media's report. It quotes McBride, and attributes to remarks she made to the outlet after the forum her statement that Arminio's removal “was not a byproduct of my request.” It reports that Arminio “apologized” after the first remark; the recording captures him acknowledging an error and does not include an apology.
- Author
- Isreal Hale
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Reporting
Republican Arminio removed from forum after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride twice
Relevant passage: Full article
Excerpt
"Arminio said he appreciated McBride's stance, but was still told to leave."
About this source
WDEL's report, the first to break the story according to the Washington Blade. It quotes Arminio, the moderator and Katz, and reproduces Katz's statement in full.
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Original post
Sarah McBride on X: “Nothing – and certainly not politicians seeking to go viral”
Excerpt
"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."
About this source
Posted the morning after the forum. It does not name Arminio or the forum. WHYY and The Hill report that McBride's office pointed reporters to it as her response, and WHYY and The Philadelphia Inquirer describe it as her statement on the incident.
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- Sarah McBride
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Original post
Dr. Mike Katz for US Senate: statement calling for Arminio's withdrawal
Relevant passage: Full post
Excerpt
"For these reasons, I am calling on Joseph Arminio to withdraw his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives."
About this source
Statement posted to Katz’s campaign page on the evening of the forum. It recounts what he said from the stage, says Arminio “acknowledged that he had made an error,” was warned, and “then did it again,” and says that he “called from the stage for the moderator to remove him from the forum.” Reproduced in full by WDEL. The wording it gives for his on-stage apology differs slightly from the recording.
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- Mike Katz
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Official statement
Candidates Forum — Jewish Federation of Delaware event page
Relevant passage: Event listing
Excerpt
"Federation's Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC) coordinates the Candidates Forum every two years in collaboration with Wilmington Chapter of Hadassah."
About this source
The organizers' announcement of the September 17, 2026 forum, 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Siegel JCC, listing candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, attorney general, state treasurer and auditor of accounts. It links the livestream recording.
- Accessed
Original video
Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal
Relevant passage: 01:59:38–02:00:35
Excerpt
"Listen, I just want to say here, I don't want this gentleman to not be able to have the ability to…"
About this source
Answering a question on health care, Arminio says “gentlemen like the two here on this, up here with me on the Democratic Party, and in the Republican Party,” then “may I finish please?” The moderator says he was warned and asks for the microphone to be cut. Rep. Sarah McBride says “Listen, I just want to say here, I don't want this gentleman to not be able to have the ability to…” and is cut off by a call to remove Arminio, which Mike Katz has said he made from the stage. Arminio says “I appreciate that” and the forum continues without him. The recording's fixed camera does not show whom Arminio gestured toward; The Philadelphia Inquirer, WDEL and Spotlight Delaware report that he pointed at McBride and Sen. Chris Coons.
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Original video
Candidates Forum: Arminio says he “committed an error”
Relevant passage: 01:48:42–01:49:02
Excerpt
"I stood in error, or I committed an error before, and I would acknowledge it."
About this source
The first sentences of Arminio's answer to a policy question, nearly nine minutes after the moderator's final warning. He does not say what the error was, and goes on to the economy.
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- O.K. Video
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Original video
Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning
Relevant passage: 01:36:40–01:40:50
Excerpt
"I would like to show respect to the speaker, that would be nice."
About this source
Joseph Arminio's three-minute opening statement as the second-half U.S. House candidate, identified on his table placard. In it he refers to Rep. Sarah McBride as “his” (“the representative from Delaware, through the net of his comments and his actions”), the audience reacts, and he says “I would like to show respect to the speaker, that would be nice.” Later in the statement the recording captures the words “he's accomplished,” then “she is accomplished,” then Arminio saying “Thank you for the correction.” Moderator Ken Grant then says “We saw an example over the past hour of candidates acting with decorum and with respect towards each other. This is your final warning.” Mike Katz, opening for the U.S. Senate candidates, apologizes to “everybody here and everybody else on the stage” for the comments. The only use of “sorry” in Arminio's remarks in this half is the phrase “I'm sorry to have to say that the representative from Delaware…” that opens the sentence containing the first male terms.
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- O.K. Video
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Original video
Candidates Forum: moderator Ken Grant reads the ground rules
Relevant passage: 00:36:20–00:39:30; second-half reminder 01:32:38–01:33:20
Excerpt
"All the campaigns received and agreed to the guidelines, but I think it's important to highlight just a few of the important ground rules."
About this source
Moderator Ken Grant's introduction before the first-half candidates spoke. He describes the forum as “an opportunity to express and hear issues in a civil way,” says all campaigns “received and agreed to the guidelines,” and reads what he calls “just a few of the important ground rules”: opening and closing time limits, the question-card process, his discretion over follow-up questions and a code of conduct under which audience members who disrupt the event will be asked to leave. The rules read aloud do not include a requirement that candidates show respect to one another, and neither does his shorter reminder before the second half. We could not locate the written guidelines the campaigns received.
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Corrections
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Corrections address errors in our reporting or labels. When a speaker changes their position, we add a separate statement and link it to the earlier one.
No corrections on this page.