On Saturday, Virginia gubernatorial candidate Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-9) visited Prince William County to greet voters at the Ferlazzo Building as early voting was taking place. During her visit, she spoke with the PW Perspective on a myriad of topics that she has addressed during her time as Senator and looks to do going forward as the state’s first Black woman to occupy the highest seat in the commonwealth.

As her campaign continues to grow in momentum, how does she see things progressing? “We’re really excited,” said McClellan. “We’ve been traveling all over the state and there’s a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. We’ve been knocking on doors and making phone calls since February. We’ve done over a million attempts and talked to over 200,000 people. The responses that we’ve received is that more than 50 percent of voters plan on voting for me, and we’re thankful for each one.”

Among the issues that McClellan has already championed for regarding the Black and Brown communities is voting yes on a bill to roll back qualified immunity for police officers.  So what else will she continue to do?

“I’ll build on that work, because there’s so much left to be done on justice reform,” said McClellan. “We need to get rid of qualified immunity, we need to get rid of low level offenses that criminalize substance abuse and addiction. In addition, we need to remove mandatory minimums sentences and focus on rehabilitation and entry. On education, we need to fund equitability our entire system. Making sure our immigrant communities have access to supplies regardless to status.”

“There’s an equity in every system we have, and when we are rebuilding from COVID and the economy in a way that addresses that equity.”

Last month both Senator McClellan and Delegate Candi King (D-2) met with care workers to discuss inequalities in the system, and she addressed how she would work to change it. “You have to remember that the care system was rooted in slavery, where that work was done for free and the workers were invisible. When slavery ended, that was the only job available for Black people, mainly women of color.”

“Those protections were denied to them that were given to everyone else, such as minimum wage, anti-discrimination laws, and workplace safety requirements. As governor, I will make sure we give them what is taken for granted. We call them essential, but we don’t pay them as they’re essential. It’s critically important that we invest in them.”

Speaking of women’s issues, one of the most important ones is maintaining reproductive freedom rights. “The Reproductive Health Protection Act was the first one in the south to address this. We have to make sure we’ve codifying the principals in Roe v. Wade.”

“We’re removing financial barriers to make sure everyone that needs comprehensive reproductive health can access it in a way that is both legal and accessible. [Republican gubernatorial candidate] Glenn Youngkin focused on two policies when seeking his nomination: rolling back reproductive rights and Roe rights. He used the term ‘voter integrity’ but that’s really a buzzword for voter intimidation. As someone who has championed for reproductive rights, I’m not going to let anyone roll them back.”

Recently there has been a lot of discussion about campaign finance reform after it’s been reported that several candidates have taken money from organizations such as Clean Energy and Dominion Energy. McClellan addressed how as governor she would support campaign finance reform. “I think we need it. I support legislation that puts limits on contributions on individuals and corporations.”

She continues, “The reason being is because you don’t want one person or organization buying an election. We must make sure we do it in a way that creates transparency. On the federal level you put limits in place but as a result you create dark money through PACs that is untraceable.”

To those voters that are undecided, what would she like to say to them? “I bring a new perspective to the next generation of leadership. with the experience to get things done on day one. We need to rebuild in a way that leaves no community behind.”

“I’m running because I’m tired of fighting the same fights that my parents and grandparents have fought. So, I’m going to build a Virginia that’s stronger, more equitable and more united, motivated and expand our base to build, and make history along the way.”

Joining Senator McClellan at the Ferlazzo Building was the Prince William County Democratic Women’s Caucus. Chairwoman Katelyn Page discussed the importance of people coming out to vote and their own momentum for candidates they support.

“We’re really excited going into Tuesday,” said Page. “Turnout has definitely increased today. The Women’s Caucus is excited to do our part. We need to elect a Democrat that can best defeat the Republicans. The most important thing is to keep our state blue. We need someone who will champion women’s issues and causes.”

She goes on to discuss one of the critical issues facing women in the commonwealth. “The biggest issue is what we’re seeing in Texas and it’s a big reality in Virginia if we let it happen here. We just saw Texas sign the Heartbeat Bill, which means that women cannot have abortions past six weeks. We refuse to let that happen in Virginia, and we need to get out and vote because that’s the horrible reality that we’re facing.”

McClellan will face off against Former Governor Terry McAuliffe, Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax, Delegate Lee Carter, and Former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy in the June 8th Democratic Primary. The winner of the primary will face off against Republican gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin in the November general election. 

More information about McClellan and her campaign can be found at https://www.jennifermcclellan.com/.