Jennifer McClellan

Democrat

In OfficeUS House · District 4 RunningUS House · District 4 · Democratic Primary

About

Background and Service

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan has dedicated her life to serving the people of Virginia and to ensuring that all Virginians have their voices heard in government. Congresswoman McClellan has served greater Richmond in the General Assembly for 17 years. She has earned a reputation as a strong legislative champion for Virginians, passing landmark laws to protect voting rights, safeguard abortion access, tackle climate change, rebuild crumbling schools, expand Obamacare in Virginia, protect workers rights, and reform Virginia's criminal justice system. Now, Congresswoman McClellan is continuing to deliver for the people of Virginia and making sure their voices are heard in Washington, D.C. McClellan recognizes the tremendous legacy of Virginia's 4th Congressional District, from Rep. John Mercer Langston to Rep. Donald McEachin. She is committed to continuing that legacy of service, and to breaking barriers as Virginia's first Black woman member of Congress.

Early Life and Family Background

As a daughter of community leaders and educators raised in the segregated South during the Depression, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan was raised with a strong sense of servant leadership and a calling to strengthen her community. Congresswoman McClellan was born in Petersburg to parents who served the community: Her father worked as a professor at Virginia State University and her mother worked as a counselor at VSU. Her family's experience and her study of history taught her that government can either be a force for progressive change to solve problems or a force of oppression that benefits a select few. At a young age, McClellan dedicated herself to ensuring government was that force of positive change for all.

Positions

Revitalizing the Economy

Virginia families and businesses are facing the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and inflation. In Congress, Jenn will fight for economic opportunity for all Virginia communities, ensuring that families can afford what they need and that businesses have the opportunities to grow and thrive. Jenn will advocate for a strong, inclusive, affordable and resilient economy that gives everyone an opportunity for prosperity while meeting the changing demands of technology and the marketplace and protecting workers' rights.

Climate Action and Environmental Justice

Jenn knows we are at a critical point in the fight against climate change. In Congress, she will build on the tremendous environmental legacy of Rep. McEachin, ensuring that all Virginia communities can benefit from historic climate investments in the Inflation Reduction Act. She will work to ensure that federal climate funding puts environmental justice front-and-center, and that it supports Virginia's progress under the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

Equity, Inclusivity and Racial Justice

Jenn has spent her career dismantling the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow that still impacts communities today.

Gun Violence

Jenn has seen the devastating impact of gun violence across the Commonwealth. As the mom of two school-age kids, Jenn supports enacting comprehensive gun reform to protect our families and make our communities safer. All of Virginia's 1,000 annual gun deaths are preventable. As a member of Congress, Jenn will work to close loopholes and protect Virginians from gun violence.