McClellan to become 1st Black woman to represent Virginia

By STEPHEN GROVES
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrat Jennifer McClellan is set to be sworn in to the U.S. House, becoming the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress. McClellan says Tuesday’s swearing-in holds great significance for her family as her parents and grandparents faced Jim Crow-era obstacles just to vote. McClellan makes Virginia the 23rd state to be represented in Washington by a Black woman. McClellan is a veteran state lawmaker and won a special election last month. The seat opened when Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin died weeks after being elected to a fourth term in November. McClellan won’t shift the balance of power in a House narrowly held by Republicans.