Preceded by Viola Baskerville Name Jennifer McClellan Political party Democratic Role American Politician | Spouse(s) David J. Mills Party Democratic Party Profession Lawyer | |
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Born December 28, 1972
Petersburg, Virginia, U.S. ( 1972 -12-28 ) Alma mater University of Richmond (B.A.)
University of Virginia (J.D.) Committees Commerce and Labor
Education Residence Richmond, Virginia, United States Education University of Richmond, University of Virginia, University of Virginia School of Law Profiles | ||
The Kojo Nnamdi Show: Virginia Delegate Jennifer McClellan
Jennifer Leigh "Jenn" McClellan (born December 28, 1972) is an American politician of the Democratic Party. She is currently a Virginia State Senator, representing the 9th district in Greater Richmond. She is also vice-chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia and a member of the Democratic National Committee. From 2006 to 2017 she was member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 71st district.
Contents
- The Kojo Nnamdi Show Virginia Delegate Jennifer McClellan
- Early life
- Career
- Political positions
- Personal life
- References
Early life
McClellan grew up as the child of a Virginia State University professor involved in civil rights activism. McClellan attended Matoaca High School in Chesterfield County, where she became valedictorian at 17. McClellan then attended the University of Virginia for college and law school.
Career
After law school, McClellan began practicing law at Hunton & Williams.
In 2005, McClellan ran for office for the first time, seeking a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates vacated by Viola O. Baskerville, who stepped down to run for lieutenant governor. McClellan won the election and from 2006 to 2017 served as the 71st District's member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing parts of the city of Richmond and Henrico County.
In 2010, McClellan made history as the first pregnant Virginia Delegate to participate in a legislative session.
When Terry McAuliffe was elected Governor of Virginia in 2013, McClellan headed the transition team.
McClellan is vice-chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia; as the highest ranking party officer of the gender opposite the party chair, she is also automatically a member of the Democratic National Committee. As a DNC member, she was a superdelegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
McClellan was elected to the Virginia State Senate in a special election held on January 10, 2017, to fill the 9th District seat vacated by Donald McEachin's election to the US House of Representatives. She defeated Liberty Party opponent Corey Fauconier. In the race, McClellan received endorsements from McEachin, as well as Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, US Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner and Governor Terry McAuliffe.
McClellan works as regulatory counsel for Verizon.
Political positions
McClellan supported a change to the laws concerning eligibility for marriage in Virginia, to require that brides be at least 18.
Personal life
McClellan is married and has two children. Her mentor Tim Kaine performed her wedding.