Virginia State Senator Likely To Make History As State’s First Black Congresswoman–Who Is Jennifer McClellan?
ForbesDec 24, 2022
The Facts
Virginia State Sen. Jenn McClellan cruised to victory in the Democratic Primary for Virginia’s 4th congressional district, winning 85% of the vote over Joseph Morrissey and two other challengers.
Morrissey, a moderate Democrat and state Senator, is a controversial figure in Virginia politics as he was involved in numerous scandals, including a physical altercation in a courtroom, being disbarred twice, and resigning from the House of Delegates following a conviction for his relationship with a 17-year-old receptionist.
The Spin
Progressive narrative
Soon-to-be Congresswoman McClellan’s victory in the VA-04 Democratic primary is also a victory for women and communities of color. She has a proven track record of fighting for all Virginians and is committed to progressive causes like access to affordable health care and reproductive freedom.
Establishment-critical narrative
While this is a victory for a progressive candidate, the process by which these elections were conducted reflected voter suppression. Virginians should not have to be subjected to hours-long lines and their examples of elderly people suffering medical emergencies. The Democratic Party should be ashamed of how this election was conducted.