Jennifer McClellan becomes first Black Congresswoman to represent Virginia

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Jennifer McClellan made history on Tuesday after she was officially announced the winner of a special election for a U.S. Congress seat representing Virginia, making her the first Black woman to represent the state.

Then-U.S. Congressional candidate Jennifer McClellan speaks about the election on Jan. 8, 2023. (Credit: Screenshot - YouTube/MSNBC) — Then-U.S. Congressional candidate Jennifer McClellan speaks about the election on Jan. 8, 2023. (Credit: Screenshot – YouTube/MSNBC)

McClellan, a 50-year-old, long-time state legislator was vying to to fill a seat left vacant following the death of Rep. Donald McEachin (D-Virginia) who died after a long battle with illness related to colorectal cancer. McEachin was elected to a fourth term just weeks before he passed away.

McClellan overcame her rival, Republican nominee Leon Benjamin in a special election in a strong Democratic district.

Virginia is now the 23rd state ever to elect a Black woman to the U.S. House of Representatives, according to analysis from Pew Research Center.

More about McClellan’s historic election to Congress can be found here.