History of Jennifer McClellan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 18, 2025

Jennifer Leigh McClellan is a prominent American politician and attorney serving as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 4th congressional district since 2023. A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, she has a long and distinguished career in Virginia politics. Prior to her role in Congress, she represented the 9th district in the Virginia State Senate from 2017 to 2023 and the 71st district in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2009 to 2017. McClellan also sought the Democratic nomination for Governor of Virginia in the 2021 election but lost to former Governor Terry McAuliffe. Her career showcases a commitment to public service and a steady rise through the ranks of Virginia's political landscape.

December 28, 1972: Birth of Jennifer McClellan

Jennifer Leigh McClellan was born on December 28, 1972, in Petersburg, Virginia.

1994: Graduates from University of Richmond

Jennifer McClellan graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts in English and political science in 1994.

1997: Graduates from University of Virginia School of Law

Jennifer McClellan earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1997.

2005: First Run for Office

Jennifer McClellan first ran for office in 2005, seeking a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

2006: Begins Service in Virginia House of Delegates

In 2006, Jennifer McClellan began her service representing the 71st district in the Virginia House of Delegates.

November 15, 2008: Marries David Mills

Jennifer McClellan married David Mills on November 15, 2008.

2008: Superdelegate at Democratic National Convention

Jennifer McClellan served as a superdelegate at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

2009: Service in the Virginia House of Delegates Begins

Jennifer McClellan began her service in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 71st district, in 2009.

2012: Criticizes Governor McDonnell's Pension Overhaul

In 2012, Jennifer McClellan publicly criticized Governor Bob McDonnell's efforts to overhaul Virginia's pension system.

2013: Leads McAuliffe's Transition Team

Jennifer McClellan led Terry McAuliffe's transition team when he was elected governor in 2013.

January 10, 2017: Wins Special Election to Virginia Senate

On January 10, 2017, Jennifer McClellan won the special election to the Virginia Senate, filling the 9th district seat.

2017: Ends Service in Virginia House of Delegates

In 2017, Jennifer McClellan's service in the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 71st district ended.

2017: Elected to Virginia State Senate

Jennifer McClellan was elected to the Virginia State Senate, representing the 9th district, in 2017.

2019: Co-sponsors the Repeal Act

Jennifer McClellan co-sponsored the Repeal Act in 2019, aiming to lift some of Virginia's restrictions on abortion.

June 2020: Announces Candidacy for Governor

In June 2020, Jennifer McClellan announced her candidacy for governor of Virginia.

2020: Introduces Legislation to Address School-to-Prison Pipeline

In 2020, Jennifer McClellan introduced legislation to help end the school-to-prison pipeline.

September 2021: Emancipation and Freedom Monument Installed

The Emancipation and Freedom Monument, which Jennifer McClellan led the commissioning of, was installed on Brown's Island in September 2021.

2021: Participates in Democratic Primary for Governor

Jennifer McClellan participated in the Democratic primary for governor of Virginia in 2021.

2021: Runs for Governor of Virginia

Jennifer McClellan ran in the Democratic primary for governor of Virginia in 2021.

November 28, 2022: Donald McEachin Dies

Incumbent Donald McEachin died from colorectal cancer on November 28, 2022, creating a vacancy in Virginia's 4th congressional district.

December 20, 2022: Wins Firehouse Primary

Jennifer McClellan won the firehouse primary for Virginia's 4th congressional district on December 20, 2022.

February 21, 2023: Wins Special Election to Congress

Jennifer McClellan won the special general election for Virginia's 4th congressional district on February 21, 2023.

March 7, 2023: Sworn into Congress

Jennifer McClellan was sworn in as a U.S. Representative on March 7, 2023.

2023: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2023, Jennifer McClellan became the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 4th congressional district.

2023: Wins Special Election to Congress

Jennifer McClellan won the special election for Virginia's 4th congressional district in 2023, becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.