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.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
On September 17, 2026, at a candidates forum at the Siegel Jewish Community Center in Wilmington, Joseph Arminio, the Republican nominee for Delaware’s at-large U.S. House seat, referred to his opponent, Rep. Sarah McBride, with male terms, including “his” in his opening statement, which the audience met with boos, and “gentlemen” later. McBride is the first openly transgender member of Congress. After the first instance the moderator, Ken Grant, told Arminio: “This is your final warning. If you fail to show respect to anyone else on this stage, you will be asked to leave.” Arminio said in a later answer that he had “committed an error.” After the second instance his microphone was cut and he was removed. McBride said on stage that she did not want Arminio to be unable to speak. Mike Katz, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, who was on the same stage, has said he called for Arminio’s removal, and afterward called on him to withdraw from the race. Grant later said the rule was applied “as they would have been for any candidate, of any party, on any subject.” Whether Arminio’s conduct warranted his removal from the forum, and whether it warrants his withdrawal from the race, is the matter in dispute. In his first public statement since the forum, issued September 22, Arminio said he appreciated McBride defending his freedom of speech and that he is “a firm supporter of freedom of speech and the Constitution in its entirety.”
Read the full background
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)), 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)). Arminio issued his first public statement on September 22, saying McBride had defended his freedom of speech and that he is “a firm supporter of freedom of speech and the Constitution in its entirety” (WDEL (opens in a new tab)).
People in this case
Sarah McBrideDirectly involved
Nancy MaceCommented
Timeline
9 timeline entries on this page. Dates: September 15, 2026 to September 21, 2026
September 2026
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]The Philadelphia Inquirer
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]Jewish Federation of Delaware
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 Delaware00:09:25-00:12:35; second-half reminder 00:55:10-00:55:43[04]Jewish Federation of Delaware
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]Jewish Federation of Delaware
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 Delaware00:59:16-01:03:26[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]The Philadelphia Inquirer
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]Jewish Federation of Delaware
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 Delaware01:22:14-01:23:11[08]Jewish Federation of Delaware
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 Delaware01:11:18-01:11:38[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]The Philadelphia Inquirer
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. Arminio issued his first public statement on September 22.
[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]The Philadelphia Inquirer
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[12]Arminio defends misgendering McBride as ‘freedom of speech,’ ignores call to exit race
Source excerpt
I myself am a firm supporter of freedom of speech
WDEL reports Joe Arminio’s later public statement after he was removed from the Delaware candidates forum. The report is used to attribute his statement; it does not establish the truth of his views about gender identity.
Arminio defends misgendering McBride as ‘freedom of speech,’ ignores call to exit raceParagraphs beginning “McBride asked organizers to allow Arminio to stay on the stage” and “He want on to say that McBride is utilizing her own freedom of speech”Earl Cooper and John Shulli file as write-in candidates
The Delaware Department of Elections announces that Earl Cooper has filed as a declared write-in candidate for the U.S. House and John Shulli as a declared write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate. Cooper, who finished third in the Republican primary for the House seat, tells WHYY he began the write-in run because he found Arminio’s comments about McBride discriminatory. Shulli, who lost the Republican Senate primary to Katz, tells WHYY that Katz is trying to censor Arminio.
[13]Delaware Department of Elections X post on Earl Cooper’s write-in filing
Source excerpt
Earl Cooper has filed as a 2026 Declared Write-In Candidate for Representative in Congress.
Post from the Delaware Department of Elections’ verified X account announcing that Earl Cooper filed as a declared write-in candidate for the U.S. House.
Delaware Department of Elections X post on Earl Cooper’s write-in filingFull X post, published September 21, 2026 15:45 UTC[14]Delaware Department of Elections X post on John Shulli’s write-in filing
Source excerpt
John Shulli has filed as a 2026 Declared Write-In Candidate for U.S. Senator.
Post from the Delaware Department of Elections’ verified X account announcing that John Shulli filed as a declared write-in candidate for U.S. Senate.
Delaware Department of Elections X post on John Shulli’s write-in filingFull X post, published September 21, 2026 20:32 UTC[15]Delaware congressional candidate’s transphobic remarks spark write-in campaigns
Source excerpt
What someone else says may not be what I would say or what I would support, but I vehemently support the right for people to say what they believe under the Constitution of the United States.
WHYY News report on the write-in candidacies that followed the forum. It reports that Earl Cooper and John Shulli each filed as write-in candidates on Monday, September 21, and quotes both about the forum. It also reports that Delaware Republican Party chairman Gene Truono said the party remains supportive of both Arminio and Katz, and quotes McBride saying she welcomes everyone into the races.
Delaware congressional candidate’s transphobic remarks spark write-in campaignsFull article; sections on Cooper, Shulli and the Delaware Republican PartyDelaware Republican Party says it stands with the First Amendment
Reaction
The Delaware Republican Party posts on Facebook that Arminio was removed “after referring to Rep. Sarah McBride as male”, that “no forum should substitute enforced language for open political argument”, and that it stands with the First Amendment. The Delaware News Journal reports that the party released the statement about five days after the forum.
[16]Delaware Republican Party
Source excerpt
Delawareans deserve a real debate, not a debate that ends the moment a Republican nominee refuses to recite the other side’s talking points. We stand with the First Amendment. Candidates should be able to speak, voters should be able to hear them, and no forum should substitute enforced language for open political argument.
Post on the Delaware Republican Party’s Facebook page that shares a Daily Caller report on the forum removal. It describes Arminio as removed “after referring to Rep. Sarah McBride as male” and says the moderator “cited the event’s rules of decorum.” The Delaware News Journal reports that this was the party’s statement on the incident, released September 22.
Delaware Republican Party Facebook post on the September 17 forum removal · Delaware Republican PartyFull Facebook post, published September 22, 2026[17]Delaware GOP doubles down after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Source excerpt
About five days later, the Delaware GOP released a statement pushing against its candidate's removal, calling it a suppression of his free speech.
Delaware News Journal report, updated September 23 to add statements from the Delaware Republican Party and from Arminio. It reports that the party released its statement about five days after the forum and that Arminio issued a statement of his own later on September 22.
Delaware GOP doubles down after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBrideFull article, published September 21 and updated September 23, 2026Arminio issues his first public statement since the forum
Reaction
Arminio issues a statement dated September 22, his first public response since being removed from the forum. He says his participation was “abruptly cut short”, that McBride “attempted to prevent my removal” and “defended my freedom of speech”, and that he supports freedom of speech, which he says extends to the right to assert a chosen gender identity “as well as to assert the facts as one sees them.” The statement does not address Katz’s call for him to withdraw. It says his campaign will continue, with additional policy initiatives, including education reform, in the coming days.
[12]Arminio defends misgendering McBride as ‘freedom of speech,’ ignores call to exit race
Source excerpt
I myself am a firm supporter of freedom of speech
WDEL reports Joe Arminio’s later public statement after he was removed from the Delaware candidates forum. The report is used to attribute his statement; it does not establish the truth of his views about gender identity.
Arminio defends misgendering McBride as ‘freedom of speech,’ ignores call to exit raceParagraphs beginning “McBride asked organizers to allow Arminio to stay on the stage” and “He want on to say that McBride is utilizing her own freedom of speech”[18]Delaware GOP nominee releases statement after misgendering Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride
Source excerpt
extends to one’s right to assert the gender identity of one’s choosing
6abc independently reports Joe Arminio’s later public statement after the candidates-forum incident. The report is used to attribute his statement; it does not establish the truth of his views about gender identity.
Delaware GOP nominee releases statement after misgendering Democratic Rep. Sarah McBrideParagraph beginning “Arminio released a statement, saying in part”[17]Delaware GOP doubles down after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Source excerpt
About five days later, the Delaware GOP released a statement pushing against its candidate's removal, calling it a suppression of his free speech.
Delaware News Journal report, updated September 23 to add statements from the Delaware Republican Party and from Arminio. It reports that the party released its statement about five days after the forum and that Arminio issued a statement of his own later on September 22.
Delaware GOP doubles down after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBrideFull article, published September 21 and updated September 23, 2026
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 Delaware00:09:25-00:12:35; second-half reminder 00:55:10-00:55:43
- Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware00:59:16-01:03:26
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
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
11 responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
Joseph ArminioRepublican nominee for Delaware’s at-large U.S. House seatDirectly involved Before this statement
At the September 17 candidates forum, Arminio repeatedly used male terms for Rep. Sarah McBride, received a warning from the moderator, and was later removed from the stage. He had earlier said he had “committed an error.”
"I myself am a firm supporter of freedom of speech and the Constitution in its entirety. That, of course, extends to one’s right to assert the “gender identity” of one’s choosing, as well as to assert the facts as one sees them."
Defended or excusedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
Joseph Arminio said he supports freedom of speech and the Constitution, including people’s right to assert a chosen gender identity and to assert facts as they see them. He thanked Sarah McBride for defending his freedom of speech after the candidates-forum incident.
After the statement
The reporting describes this as Arminio’s first public response after the removal. It also reports that he plans to continue his campaign and introduce an education-reform initiative.
Arminio defends misgendering McBride as ‘freedom of speech,’ ignores call to exit raceParagraphs beginning “McBride asked organizers to allow Arminio to stay on the stage” and “He want on to say that McBride is utilizing her own freedom of speech”Delaware GOP nominee releases statement after misgendering Democratic Rep. Sarah McBrideParagraph beginning “Arminio released a statement, saying in part”Why this label?
Arminio frames his conduct and his opponent’s response as matters of free speech rather than retracting his use of male terms. That defends or excuses his conduct in the dispute over his removal.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Delaware Republican PartyState political party, in a statement on its official Facebook pageBefore this statement
The post shares a Daily Caller report on the forum. It states: “On September 17, Republican U.S. House nominee Joe Arminio was removed from a candidate forum after referring to Rep. Sarah McBride as male. The moderator cited the event’s rules of decorum and asked him to leave.”
"Delawareans deserve a real debate, not a debate that ends the moment a Republican nominee refuses to recite the other side’s talking points. We stand with the First Amendment. Candidates should be able to speak, voters should be able to hear them, and no forum should substitute enforced language for open political argument."
Defended or excusedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
In a Facebook post on September 22, the Delaware Republican Party said Delawareans “deserve a real debate,” not one that ends when a Republican nominee refuses to recite the other side’s talking points, and that it stands with the First Amendment. It said candidates should be able to speak and voters should be able to hear them, and that no forum should “substitute enforced language for open political argument”. The post describes Arminio as removed after referring to McBride as male and says the moderator cited the event’s rules of decorum.
After the statement
The post came five days after the forum. It ends with a link to the party’s donation page.
Delaware Republican Party Facebook post on the September 17 forum removal · Delaware Republican PartyFull Facebook post, published September 22, 2026Why this label?
Relative to whether Arminio’s conduct warranted his removal from the forum, the party treats the removal as an improper limit on speech, saying no forum should “substitute enforced language for open political argument”. That defends his conduct. The closest competing label, “Challenged the characterization”, loses because the post does more than dispute how the incident is described: it argues that the removal was wrong.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Nancy MaceRepublican U.S. representative from South Carolina, posting on XBefore this statement
On September 20 the Libs of TikTok account posted about Arminio’s removal from the forum, saying “Joe is correct.” Mace’s post quotes that post.
"The Left policing biology and speech..."
Defended or excusedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, quote-posted a Libs of TikTok post about Arminio’s removal from the forum and added the comment “The Left policing biology and speech...”. The post she quoted says Arminio was right.
After the statement
Mace’s post came four days after the forum. McBride had said on stage that she did not want Arminio to be unable to speak, and later said that his removal was not at her request.
Nancy Mace X post on the Delaware forum removal · Nancy MaceFull X post (quote post), published September 21, 2026 09:50 UTCWhy this label?
Relative to whether Arminio’s conduct warranted his removal from the forum, Mace’s comment frames the removal as “The Left policing biology and speech”, treating his remarks as speech that was wrongly policed, on a post that says Arminio was right. That defends the conduct. The closest competing label, “Challenged the characterization”, loses because she does more than dispute a description: she objects to the removal itself.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Gene TruonoChairman of the Delaware Republican Party, speaking to WHYY News Before this statement
WHYY reported that Arminio and Katz are both endorsed by the Delaware Republican Party. The report followed Katz’s call for Arminio to withdraw and the write-in filings of two other Republican candidates, Earl Cooper and John Shulli.
"I think this comes back down to a very fundamental, important right, and that’s the right of the First Amendment … What someone else says may not be what I would say or what I would support, but I vehemently support the right for people to say what they believe under the Constitution of the United States."
Defended or excusedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
Delaware Republican Party chairman Gene Truono told WHYY that the party remains supportive of both Arminio and Katz, and that they are free to say what they believe. He described the issue as “a very fundamental, important right,” the right of the First Amendment. He said that what someone else says “may not be what I would say or what I would support”, but that “I vehemently support the right for people to say what they believe under the Constitution of the United States”.
After the statement
On September 22 the party’s Facebook page posted a statement saying it stands with the First Amendment after Arminio’s removal.
Delaware congressional candidate’s transphobic remarks spark write-in campaignsFull article; sections on Cooper, Shulli and the Delaware Republican PartyWhy this label?
Relative to whether Arminio’s conduct warranted removal from the forum and withdrawal from the race, Truono frames the matter as a First Amendment right and says the party remains supportive of Arminio. He distances himself from the content, saying it “may not be what I would say or what I would support”, but that qualification does not change his conclusion, so “Mixed or conditional” loses. He does not say the conduct was wrong or warranted consequences, so condemns loses.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Earl CooperThird-place finisher in the Republican U.S. House primary and write-in candidate, speaking to WHYY News Before this statement
Cooper finished third in the September 15 Republican primary for the seat, which Arminio won. He said he began his write-in run on Monday, September 21, and the Delaware Department of Elections announced his filing that day.
"I am a man of color. I am an African American, and I felt like he’s setting us back … I see a lot of the people who back him. They are really kind of making it very clear that they are in line with him and I disagreed with that. So for that reason, I went today to give Delawareans a choice."
CondemnedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
Earl Cooper, who finished third in the Republican primary for Delaware’s U.S. House seat, told WHYY that he began a write-in campaign because he found Arminio’s comments about McBride discriminatory. He said, “I am a man of color. I am an African American, and I felt like he’s setting us back”, and that people who back Arminio are making clear “that they are in line with him”, which he disagreed with.
After the statement
WHYY also reported that Delaware Republican Party chairman Gene Truono said the party remains supportive of both Arminio and Katz.
Delaware congressional candidate’s transphobic remarks spark write-in campaignsFull article; sections on Cooper, Shulli and the Delaware Republican PartyDelaware Department of Elections X post on Earl Cooper’s write-in filingFull X post, published September 21, 2026 15:45 UTCWhy this label?
Relative to whether Arminio’s conduct warranted removal from the forum and withdrawal from the race, Cooper rejects the conduct, saying it is “setting us back”, and acts on that view by launching a write-in challenge. That is an express criticism of the conduct, not a comment on tone or coverage, so condemns fits better than “Mixed or conditional”.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sarah McBrideDemocratic U.S. representative for Delaware, posting on her X accountDirectly involvedBefore this 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.
"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."
MinimizedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
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.
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 articleWhy this label?
On 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 stayed out”, 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.
Show fewer responses
John ShulliCandidate who lost the September 15 Republican U.S. Senate primary to Katz, in a video on his Facebook page Before this statement
The video opens with Shulli’s comments and then plays clips from the forum, including Katz’s opening remarks apologizing to the audience and the moment the moderator asked for Arminio’s microphone to be cut. It was posted the day after the forum and Katz’s statement calling on Arminio to withdraw.
"Mike Katz has shown his true colors. He is a Democrat. He is the Benedict Arnold of the Republican Party. … I find it very disappointing that Katz would throw Dr. Joe Arminio, a fellow Republican candidate for office, under the bus for misgendering Representative McBride. … The hypocrisy is staggering, as you would expect from a Democrat. Yes, Katz is a Democrat, and a coward, and a traitor to the Republican Party of Delaware. He should either withdraw from the race or change his affiliation to Democrat."
Defended or excusedResponding to: Arminio should withdraw from the race, because he repeated the conduct after acknowledging his mistake and receiving an explicit warning.
Full statement and sources
In a Facebook video posted September 18, John Shulli, who lost the Republican U.S. Senate primary to Katz, called Katz “the Benedict Arnold of the Republican Party” and said he found it “very disappointing” that Katz “would throw Dr. Joe Arminio, a fellow Republican candidate for office, under the bus for misgendering Representative McBride”. He said “The hypocrisy is staggering”, called Katz “a Democrat, and a coward, and a traitor to the Republican Party of Delaware”, and said Katz “should either withdraw from the race or change his affiliation to Democrat”.
After the statement
On September 21 Shulli filed as a write-in candidate for U.S. Senate. He told WHYY that Katz is trying to censor Arminio, who he said has a First Amendment right to speak his mind.
John Shulli Facebook video on Mike Katz and Joseph Arminio · John ShulliFacebook video (1:54), published September 18, 2026; quoted passages at about 0:00–0:26 and 1:46–1:54Why this label?
Relative to whether Arminio’s conduct warranted his removal from the forum and withdrawal from the race, Shulli treats the misgendering as insufficient ground for Katz’s call for Arminio to withdraw, faulting Katz for putting Arminio “under the bus for misgendering Representative McBride”. His condemnation is aimed at Katz, not at Arminio’s conduct, so condemns loses. He goes beyond disputing a description, so “Challenged the characterization” loses.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Sarah McBrideDemocratic U.S. representative for Delaware and Arminio’s opponent, quoted by Delaware Public MediaDirectly involved
Before this 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.
"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."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
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.”
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 Delaware01:22:14-01:23:11Why this label?
On 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.
Ken GrantModerator of the Jewish Federation of Delaware candidates forum, in a statement to The Philadelphia InquirerDirectly involved Before this 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.”
"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."
CondemnedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
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.”
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 Delaware00:09:25-00:12:35; second-half reminder 00:55:10-00:55:43Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware00:59:16-01:03:26Why this label?
On 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 case’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 “Defended or excused”, 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.
Michael KatzRepublican nominee for U.S. Senate in Delaware and a candidate on stage at the forum, in a campaign statementDirectly involved Before this 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.
"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."
CondemnedCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
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.
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. WDEL reported that Arminio’s first public statement since the forum, issued September 22, did not specifically address Katz’s comments and that he plans to introduce an education reform initiative in the coming days.
Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware00:59:16-01:03:26Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal · Jewish Federation of Delaware01:22:14-01:23:11Why this label?
On 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.
Joseph ArminioRepublican nominee for Delaware’s at-large U.S. House seat, answering a question at the candidates forumDirectly involved Before this 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.
"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."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
Full statement and sources
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.
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 Delaware01:11:18-01:11:38Candidates Forum: Arminio's opening statement, the audience reaction and the final warning · Jewish Federation of Delaware00:59:16-01:03:26Why this label?
On 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.
Sources
(22)
Original video
Jewish Federation of Delaware Candidates Forum, September 17, 2026 (recording)
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
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. This is the edited version the Federation posted on its own YouTube channel on Oct. 1, 2026. The livestream recording DI first cited, on the channel of the forum's video contractor, is no longer available. The edited version is about 38 minutes shorter, and the times given here refer to it.
- Author
- O.K. Video
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Original video
Candidates Forum: Arminio's “gentlemen” remark, McBride's intervention and the removal
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”
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
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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Original video
Candidates Forum: moderator Ken Grant reads the ground rules
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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- O.K. Video
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Reporting
Delaware GOP doubles down after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Relevant passage: Full article, published September 21 and updated September 23, 2026
Excerpt
"About five days later, the Delaware GOP released a statement pushing against its candidate's removal, calling it a suppression of his free speech."
About this source
Delaware News Journal report, updated September 23 to add statements from the Delaware Republican Party and from Arminio. It reports that the party released its statement about five days after the forum and that Arminio issued a statement of his own later on September 22.
- Author
- Delaware News Journal
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Original post
Delaware Department of Elections X post on John Shulli’s write-in filing
Excerpt
"John Shulli has filed as a 2026 Declared Write-In Candidate for U.S. Senator."
About this source
Post from the Delaware Department of Elections’ verified X account announcing that John Shulli filed as a declared write-in candidate for U.S. Senate.
- Author
- Delaware Department of Elections
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Original post
Delaware Department of Elections X post on Earl Cooper’s write-in filing
Excerpt
"Earl Cooper has filed as a 2026 Declared Write-In Candidate for Representative in Congress."
About this source
Post from the Delaware Department of Elections’ verified X account announcing that Earl Cooper filed as a declared write-in candidate for the U.S. House.
- Author
- Delaware Department of Elections
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Original post
Nancy Mace X post on the Delaware forum removal
Excerpt
"The Left policing biology and speech..."
About this source
Post from Rep. Nancy Mace’s verified @NancyMace account. It quotes a September 20 post by Libs of TikTok about Arminio’s removal, which says “Joe is correct.” Mace’s own comment above the quoted post is “The Left policing biology and speech...”.
- Author
- Nancy Mace
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Original post
John Shulli Facebook video on Mike Katz and Joseph Arminio
Relevant passage: Facebook video (1:54), published September 18, 2026; quoted passages at about 0:00–0:26 and 1:46–1:54
Excerpt
"I find it very disappointing that Katz would throw Dr. Joe Arminio, a fellow Republican candidate for office, under the bus for misgendering Representative McBride."
About this source
Shulli, who lost the September 15 Republican Senate primary to Katz, posted the video to his Facebook page with the caption “Katz is the Benedict Arnold of the Republican Party. He should withdraw from the race or change his affiliation to Democrat.” The video includes clips from the forum, with Shulli’s comments before and after them.
- Author
- John Shulli
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Reporting
Delaware congressional candidate’s transphobic remarks spark write-in campaigns
Relevant passage: Full article; sections on Cooper, Shulli and the Delaware Republican Party
Excerpt
"What someone else says may not be what I would say or what I would support, but I vehemently support the right for people to say what they believe under the Constitution of the United States."
About this source
WHYY News report on the write-in candidacies that followed the forum. It reports that Earl Cooper and John Shulli each filed as write-in candidates on Monday, September 21, and quotes both about the forum. It also reports that Delaware Republican Party chairman Gene Truono said the party remains supportive of both Arminio and Katz, and quotes McBride saying she welcomes everyone into the races.
- Author
- Sarah Mueller
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Original post
Delaware Republican Party Facebook post on the September 17 forum removal
Relevant passage: Full Facebook post, published September 22, 2026
Excerpt
"Delawareans deserve a real debate, not a debate that ends the moment a Republican nominee refuses to recite the other side’s talking points. We stand with the First Amendment. Candidates should be able to speak, voters should be able to hear them, and no forum should substitute enforced language for open political argument."
About this source
Post on the Delaware Republican Party’s Facebook page that shares a Daily Caller report on the forum removal. It describes Arminio as removed “after referring to Rep. Sarah McBride as male” and says the moderator “cited the event’s rules of decorum.” The Delaware News Journal reports that this was the party’s statement on the incident, released September 22.
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- Delaware Republican Party
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Reporting
Delaware GOP nominee releases statement after misgendering Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning “Arminio released a statement, saying in part”
Excerpt
"extends to one’s right to assert the gender identity of one’s choosing"
About this source
6abc independently reports Joe Arminio’s later public statement after the candidates-forum incident. The report is used to attribute his statement; it does not establish the truth of his views about gender identity.
- Author
- 6abc Digital Staff
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Reporting
Arminio defends misgendering McBride as ‘freedom of speech,’ ignores call to exit race
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning “McBride asked organizers to allow Arminio to stay on the stage” and “He want on to say that McBride is utilizing her own freedom of speech”
Excerpt
"I myself am a firm supporter of freedom of speech"
About this source
WDEL reports Joe Arminio’s later public statement after he was removed from the Delaware candidates forum. The report is used to attribute his statement; it does not establish the truth of his views about gender identity.
- Author
- Sean Greene
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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.
- Author
- 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.
- Author
- 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.
- Author
- 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
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- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?
- First published
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- https://disputeindex.com/cases/arminio-mcbride-forum-removal
The Dispute Index. "Did Joe Arminio’s misgendering of Sarah McBride warrant his removal from a Delaware candidate forum?". First published: 2026-09-20. Last updated: 2026-09-25. https://disputeindex.com/cases/arminio-mcbride-forum-removal