Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan represents Virginia’s 4th Congressional District, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her extensive career in state politics. Her legislative focus encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, reflecting her commitment to social equity, economic development, and comprehensive immigration reform. She frequently criticizes federal efforts to increase deportations of illegal immigrants.
McClellan has also been a vocal critic of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) since its inception. In a statement issued on February 3, 2025, she expressed deep concerns over the Trump-Vance Administration granting Elon Musk and DOGE access to the Treasury Department’s federal payment system, which contains sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. She characterized this move as part of a “senseless war on federal funding,” asserting that it allows Musk and his associates to control vast amounts of personal data, including banking information and Social Security numbers. McClellan questioned the motives behind this access, suggesting it could be an attempt to divert funds to benefit billionaires, and emphasized that only Congress holds the constitutional power of the purse. She labeled any attempts by DOGE to redirect lawfully appropriated funds as illegal and underscored the breach of public trust resulting from granting an unelected billionaire such unprecedented authority. (Source:rvamag.com+2mcclellan.house.gov+2mcclellan.house.gov+2)
Furthering her opposition, McClellan co-sponsored H.R. 1145, introduced on February 7, 2025. This legislation aims to hold the special government employee managing DOGE personally liable for any claims against the federal government related to the department’s activities. The bill underscores the accountability of DOGE’s leadership in the face of potential overreach or misuse of authority. (Source:congress.gov+1congress.gov+1congress.gov+1congress.gov+1)
McClellan’s actions reflect a broader concern among Virginia Democrats regarding DOGE’s influence. They have actively opposed the Trump-Vance Administration’s initiatives perceived as undermining federal institutions and public trust. McClellan’s efforts exemplify this resistance, as she continues to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights against potential overreach by DOGE and its leadership. mcclellan.house.gov+2rvamag.com+2mcclellan.house.gov+2
In summary, Congresswoman McClellan has consistently voiced strong opposition to DOGE’s actions, particularly concerning the access and potential misuse of sensitive personal data. Her legislative efforts aim to ensure accountability and protect the constitutional powers vested in Congress, reflecting her commitment to safeguarding democratic processes and citizen privacy
McClellan’s Career Path to Congress
- Early Career: After earning her law degree, McClellan began practicing at Hunton & Williams and later served as regulatory counsel for Verizon Communications.
- Virginia House of Delegates (2006–2017): McClellan was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2005, representing the 71st district. During her tenure, she served as vice chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Notably, she was the first pregnant delegate to participate in a legislative session in Virginia.
- Virginia State Senate (2017–2023): In 2017, McClellan won a special election to the Virginia Senate’s 9th district, succeeding Donald McEachin. Her legislative efforts included sponsoring the Virginia Clean Economy Act and the Voting Rights Act of Virginia.
- 2021 Gubernatorial Campaign: McClellan announced her candidacy for governor of Virginia in 2021, aiming to become the state’s first female and second Black governor. She finished third in the Democratic primary.
- U.S. House of Representatives (2023–Present): Following the passing of Congressman Donald McEachin, McClellan won the special election in February 2023 to represent Virginia’s 4th Congressional District, becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.
Authored Bills
During her tenure in the U.S. House, McClellan has sponsored 25 pieces of legislation.
- Equity and Racial Justice: McClellan has championed protections for immigrants and new Americans, advocating for increased interpretation services, improved healthcare options for undocumented individuals, and access to driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.
- Economic Revitalization: She emphasizes economic opportunity for all Virginia communities, focusing on affordability for families and growth opportunities for businesses.
Votes and Stances on Social Issues
McClellan’s legislative record reflects a strong commitment to the social justice movement.
- LGBTQ+ Issues: Co-sponsored legislation to prohibit conversion therapy for minors.
- Education Reform: McClellan has worked to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by introducing legislation to add specialized personnel to schools and requiring the publication of data on student suspensions, highlighting disparities affecting Black and Brown students and those with disabilities.
- Opposition to Anti-Immigrant Legislation: In November 2023, she voted against H.R. 5283, a bill that aimed to prohibit the use of federal funds for housing migrants on public lands, citing its potential harm to immigrant communities.
- Advocacy for Immigrant Rights: Throughout her career, McClellan has fought to ensure immigrants and new Americans have access to voting rights and economic opportunities, introducing legislation to increase interpretation services and improve healthcare access for undocumented individuals.
Demographics of Virginia’s Congresssional District 4
- Population: Approximately 784,211 residents.
- Median Age: 37
- Racial Composition: 42.4% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 42.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 3.74% Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 3.58% Other (Hispanic), and 2.61% White (Hispanic).
- Median Household Income: $65,195. (Source: Data USA)
- Poverty Rate: 13.8% (Source: CensusReporter.org)
- Immigrant Population: Approximately 4.9% of the population are immigrants, totaling 37,483 individuals. (Source: NewAmericanEconomy.org)