Biography

Jennifer Leigh McClellan, born on December 28, 1972, in Petersburg, Virginia, is a Democratic politician and attorney serving as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 4th congressional district since March 7, 2023. She made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia. Prior to her congressional tenure, McClellan served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006 to 2017 and the Virginia State Senate from 2017 to 2023. She resides in Richmond with her husband, David Mills, and their two children, Jackson and Samantha.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from the University of Richmond
  • Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law
    

• Political Experience:

  • Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 71st district
  • Elected to the Virginia State Senate representing the 9th district
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Virginia's 4th congressional district
  • Served as Vice Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
  • Chair of the Virginia Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission

Notable Achievements

• Legislative Accomplishments:

  • Sponsored over 370 pieces of legislation in the Virginia General Assembly, focusing on voting rights, reproductive health, and clean energy.
  • Led the passage of the Reproductive Health Protection Act, expanding abortion rights in Virginia.
  • Championed the Virginia Voting Rights Act, making Virginia the first Southern state to pass such legislation.

• Committee Assignments:

  • Member of the House Armed Services Committee
  • Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee

• Community Involvement:

  • Served on boards of various organizations, including the YWCA of Richmond, the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood, and the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

McClellan's career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, social justice, and community engagement.