Jennifer McClellan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jennifer McClellan
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Official portrait, 2023
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 4th district |
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| Assumed office March 7, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Donald McEachin |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 9th district |
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| In office January 13, 2017 – March 7, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Donald McEachin |
| Succeeded by | Lamont Bagby |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 71st district |
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| In office January 11, 2006 – January 13, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Viola Baskerville |
| Succeeded by | Jeff Bourne |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jennifer Leigh McClellan
December 28, 1972 Petersburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
David Mills
(m. 2008) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Richmond (BA) University of Virginia (JD) |
| Website | |
Jennifer Leigh McClellan, born on December 28, 1972, is an American politician and lawyer. She currently serves as a U.S. Representative for Virginia's 4th congressional district. She started this role in 2023.
Before joining the U.S. House, she was a member of the Democratic Party. She served in the Virginia State Senate from 2017 to 2023. She also served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2009 to 2017. In 2023, Jennifer McClellan made history. She became the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.
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Early Life and Education
Jennifer McClellan was born in Petersburg, Virginia. Her father was a professor at Virginia State University. He was also involved in the civil rights movement.
Jennifer grew up in Chesterfield County. She attended Matoaca High School and was the top student in her class. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond. Then, she received a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Starting Her Career
After finishing law school, Jennifer McClellan began her career as a lawyer. She worked at a law firm called Hunton & Williams. She also worked for Verizon Communications, helping with legal rules.
Serving in the Virginia House of Delegates
In 2005, Jennifer McClellan decided to run for public office. She sought a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. She won the election and served from 2006 to 2017. She represented the 71st district, which included parts of Richmond and Henrico County.
During her time in the House of Delegates, Jennifer was a leader. She became the vice chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia. This role also made her a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). She was also a superdelegate at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She was also the vice chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Jennifer McClellan was the first pregnant delegate to take part in a legislative session in Virginia.
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In 2012, she spoke out against Governor Bob McDonnell's plans. He wanted to change Virginia's pension system. Jennifer opposed cuts to retirement money for teachers and public safety workers. She felt that lawmakers were rushing the changes. She believed they wanted to avoid review from Democrats and labor unions.
Serving in the Virginia Senate
On January 10, 2017, Jennifer McClellan was elected to the Virginia Senate. This was a special election to fill a vacant seat. The previous senator, Donald McEachin, had been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Jennifer won against Corey Fauconier. Many important politicians supported her, including U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.
In 2020, she worked on a new law to help stop the "school-to-prison pipeline." This law aimed to train school resource officers in how teenagers think. She also supported the Virginia Clean Economy Act. This act helps Virginia use more clean energy. She also sponsored the Voting Rights Act of Virginia. Both of these laws were signed into law. She said the Voting Rights Act was "a huge victory for our democracy." She also led the creation of the Emancipation and Freedom Monument. This monument was placed on Brown's Island in September 2021.
Running for Governor in 2021
In June 2020, Jennifer McClellan announced she would run for governor of Virginia. During a debate, she said she would "excite and expand our base." She spoke about her 31 years of working to elect Democrats. She believed it was important to give people something positive to vote for.
Former governor Terry McAuliffe won the Democratic nomination. Jennifer McClellan came in third place. If she or Jennifer Carroll Foy had won, she would have been the first female governor of Virginia. She would also have been the first Black female U.S. governor.
U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a U.S. Representative
Jennifer McClellan became the Democratic candidate for Virginia's 4th congressional district. This seat became empty when Donald McEachin passed away. She won a special election on December 20, 2022. She then defeated Leon Benjamin in the main election on February 21, 2023. She was sworn into office on March 7, 2023. As mentioned, she is the first Black woman from Virginia to be elected to Congress.
Groups She Belongs To
Jennifer McClellan is part of several important groups in Congress:
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment (she is a vice chair)
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- New Democrat Coalition
Committees She Serves On
Jennifer McClellan works on two main committees in the U.S. House:
- Committee on Armed Services
- Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Personal Life
Jennifer McClellan married David Mills on November 15, 2008. Her mentor, Tim Kaine, performed their wedding ceremony. Jennifer and her husband live in Richmond with their two children. She is a Presbyterian.
Images for kids
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Jennifer McClellan speaking at a press conference in March 2012.
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Jennifer McClellan's 2021 campaign logo.
