First black woman elected to congress in Virginia

The Hill reported that, after a close special election, Jennifer McClellan declared victory as the first Black woman to represent the 4th Congressional District of Virginia in Congress.
McClellan defeated Republican opponent Leon Benjamin, becoming a favorite for her party, with her region spanning from Richmond to the North Carolina border. After Rep. Donald McEachin passed away last November, she won the party’s primary for the seat in December with 84% of the votes, and subsequently took the seat.
Acknowledging the importance of her historic win, McClellan recognized the power of collective effort.
News sources reported that McClellan said, “When we come together and we care more about doing the work and solving the problems than the soundbites and the show, we can help people.”
“Let us work together to improve this commonwealth and nation for all.”
McClellan’s resume is self-explanatory.
She was first elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates in 2006, as reported by The Hill, and later elected to the state Senate in 2017. Terry McAuliffe
She put her name in for governor of Virginia in 2021, but ultimately came in third place behind Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy and the 2021 nominee and former Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Terry McAuliffe
The addition of McClellan’s victory has contributed to the unprecedented number of women in Congress, particularly those of color. The election of the 50-year-old set a new record, as reported by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, for the number of Black women in Congress.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and James Clyburn (D-SC) were among the political heavy hitters in the corner of the Petersburg native. The mother of two is aiming to raise awareness of crucial topics like climate change and gun reform during her term. Gray Davis
McClellan was reported by CNN to have backed a bill approved by then-Democratic Governor Gray Davis. In 2020, Ralph Northam attempted to reduce the restrictions on abortion rights.
Several news sources were told by her that the most effective method to accomplish tasks is to simply listen.
”I acquired knowledge of two things.” McClellan said it is really important to listen and understand why people believe what they do and where they are coming from. When you do that, you may sometimes discover shared interests.