Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan is a significant figure in Virginia politics, recognized for her extensive legislative experience and dedication to social justice. As the representative for Virginia’s 4th Congressional District, she has made meaningful contributions across various policy areas.
Her 2024 Victory
In the 2024 general election, McClellan was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Virginia’s 4th Congressional District. She defeated Republican challenger Bill Moher, an Arlington consultant, securing her seat with a decisive victory.
Her Career Path to Congress
McClellan began her political career in 2005 when she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for the 71st District, serving until 2017. She focused on education, commerce, and labor issues. In 2017, she was elected to the Virginia State Senate, representing the 9th District after A. Donald McEachin moved to the U.S. House. During her time in the legislature, she helped pass key legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of Virginia and the Virginia Clean Economy Act. In 2023, McClellan won a special election to the U.S. House, succeeding the late Congressman McEachin.
Her Sponsored Legislation
As a member of Congress, McClellan has been active in sponsoring and co-sponsoring legislation. She has sponsored 24 bills and co-sponsored 475, addressing a wide range of issues. Her legislative efforts have focused on expanding collective bargaining rights for public employees, providing paid sick leave, and ensuring paid family and medical leave for workers.
Her Votes and Stances on Major Bills and Issues Involving Social Issues
McClellan has been a staunch advocate for abortion. In January 2024, she voted against House Republicans’ anti-abortion bills, expressing concern that they would spread misinformation and divert federal funding to unregulated “Crisis Pregnancy Centers.” She emphasized the importance of protecting individuals’ health and well-being in her opposition to these measures.
Her Votes and Stances on Major Bills and Issues Involving Economic Issues
In the economic sphere, McClellan has supported legislation aimed at revitalizing the economy and supporting workers. She co-sponsored bills to expand collective bargaining rights to public employees and advocated for policies that provide paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave to Virginia workers. These efforts reflect her commitment to enhancing workers’ rights and economic security.
Her Votes and Stances on Major Bills and Issues Involving National Defense
Serving on the House Armed Services Committee, McClellan has engaged in national defense matters. In March 2024, she voted in favor of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which required TikTok to divest from ByteDance to safeguard Americans’ sensitive data from potential exploitation by foreign adversaries. Her vote was informed by classified briefings highlighting credible national security and privacy threats associated with the application.
The Most Recent Demographic Data of Adults in Her Congressional District
Virginia’s 4th Congressional District encompasses a diverse population. As of 2022, the district had a population of approximately 784,000 people, with a median age of 37.4 years. The median household income was $65,195, and 10.6% of households reported speaking a non-English language at home. Notably, 95.7% of the residents are U.S. citizens.