Sarah McBride is a charismatic tornado of grit and grace, a noteworthy balance that Chase Joynt’s discerning eye captures beautifully in his new documentary, "State of Firsts." The 93-minute spectacle doesn't just follow Sarah's quest to become Delaware's congressional representative, but it shines a spotlight on a potential landmark moment in American history – her journey to becoming the first openly trans member of Congress. Far from being simply defined by this moniker, McBride's strong spirit, pragmatic nature, and booming laugh breathe life into her dual representation.

This isn't a sugar-coated public relations spectacle – Joynt crafts an honest narrative that is as compelling as it is revealing. His film presents a thorough look at McBride in all her cogs and wheels, not just as a beacon of inspiration for many, but as a calculated and driven politician. The film isn't shy about putting McBride's political prowess under the microscope, portraying her as a figure at a pivotal juncture in her personal journey and the national landscape.

"State of Firsts" takes us through McBride's marathon from mid-2024 to early 2025, turning pivotal pages of her life as a precedent-breaking Delaware state representative to a congressional candidate who becomes a magnet for national attention. And when the former president Donald Trump and his party turn their gaze towards transphobia, she becomes an even brighter beacon on the political stage.

With America's Commander-in-chief, Delaware’s own Joe Biden bowing out from the presidential race, we find McBride getting her hands dirty in the political trenches, knocking doors, opening campaign offices, and even taking on debates that her opponent chooses to dodge. McBride fervently resists the label of being simply a 'trans candidate,' continually reasserting her focus on Delaware-born matters – healthcare, paid family leave, and economic insecurity.

Yet, McBride knows that her historic 'first' inevitably thrusts her into the media’s bright lights. Navigating a sea of ever-persistent trans-related questions, we witness her grappling with the unending pressure to address identity issues even in standard speeches. Despite her repeated emphasis on her Delaware-centric mission, the unavoidable "AND" or "BUT" always seem to find their way into the discussion.

The journey gets more nuanced post-election when South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace provokes controversy over McBride's transgender bathroom use. McBride’s responses to this issue spark a critical conversation within her own community, further revealing her resilience and determination.

Even as Joynt unravels McBride's life, a touch of self-consciousness underpins McBride’s fight to assert that she is more than just a 'trans candidate.' There's a poignant exception when a constituent brings up the Israel/Gaza conflict, reminding us that while McBride steadfastly maintains her ideological position, she’s here to talk about more than one issue.

The documentary cleverly intercuts reflective moments of McBride, Joynt, and her tireless campaign manager traversing the campaign trail. We witness on-camera candor, passionate responses, and striking portrayals of commitment. Scenes from relaxed family gatherings and tense backstage meetings paint an intimate picture of McBride, a nerd-at-heart with a fiery passion for political change.

Whether she’s the earnest person, the tireless politician, the Delaware representative, or the trans pioneer, "State of Firsts" offers a glimpse of McBride's realization that she embodies all these roles simultaneously. And perhaps for the first time, she understands that she can't flawlessly represent everything at all times. Joynt presents us with a layered portrait, far more intriguing than a simple adulation piece, that is sure to touch audiences far and wide.