Democrat · Virginia's 4th District · 2026
Jennifer McClellan
McClellan grew up in Petersburg with parents who worked as educators at Virginia State University.
Biography
Jennifer McClellan grew up hearing her parents' stories about the Depression and the Jim Crow South, accounts she says helped spark her interest in history and government.1 Her father was a Virginia State University professor and her mother a counselor there.2 She lives in Richmond with her husband, David Mills, their two children and their dog, Obi.2
A Matoaca High School valedictorian, McClellan graduated from the University of Richmond and earned her law degree at the University of Virginia.2 She spent twenty five years as a communications lawyer while building a public career in Virginia's House of Delegates and Senate.3
She won the 2023 special election following Donald McEachin's death, becoming Virginia's first Black woman elected to Congress.2 She now serves on Energy and Commerce.2 She chairs the Reproductive Freedom Caucus's Abortion Rights and Access Task Force.4 Her All American Family Agenda proposes expanding maternal care, adoption assistance, affordable housing and support for family caregivers.5
McClellan supports reproductive freedom, a national paid family and medical leave program, stronger Medicaid coverage and lower prescription costs.5 The agenda also calls for more affordable childcare and help with household utility bills.5 Republican Robert Murray is challenging her in November, with independent Joan Bell also running.6