The High Heel Race in Washington DC is notorious for its outrageous costumes, but this year’s race took political satire to another level. Two participants zoomed through the crowd, paying homage to none other than Susan Dell and Senator Mitch McConnell. Their pairing featured a wheelchair, a red dress, and a pointed reference to the senator’s public health struggles.
A clip posted on Facebook by Kelly Carnes, later posted to X by @Suzierizzo1, shows two people participating in the 39th annual 17th Street High Heel Race, taking place on October 27, along 17th Street NW near Dupont Circle.
One participant is dressed up as philanthropist Susan Dell, wife of Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies. The person wears a replica of her famous red dress, which recently drew attention after she visited the White House.
Beside her, another participant is dressed as McConnell, the Republican senator from Kentucky, complete with a suit, glasses, and a wheelchair.
The comedic moment sees the Susan Dell impersonator push the McConnell impersonator through the crowd. The outfit references the senator’s well-known health issues and moments when he has appeared frozen or unable to move.
Internet reacts to Susan Dell and Mitch McConnell costumes at Washington DC High Heel Race
The costumes drew amused reactions, with some viewers praising the resemblance and others struggling to keep a straight face. One commenter wrote, “Wow, I had to look thrice at “Susan”. Very scary and really well done!” Another wrote, “I’ll go to the hell for laughing but it’s worth it.” A third added, “I knew this Halloween is going to be wild af.”
Another commenter wrote, “THAT is hilarious, & the one dressed as her? I don’t know how you did it, but you actually look like’r. Right down to the red dress. You 2 stole the show!!” One more asked, “How is he so still and not even blinking?”
The High Heel Race started in 1986 as a friendly competition at local bars, but has become a big event for the LGBTQ+ community. Participants wear extravagant outfits and race in high heels while thousands watch. The event is well known for its comedic political parody and pop culture references.
