See below for a press release from Shannon Taylor, a Democratic candidate who’s been running in VA01, but who recently announced “her intention to run for Congress in Virginia’s newly proposed 5th Congressional District upon passage of new maps.” I know, it’s all confusing, because of redistricting, which isn’t even a 100% sure thing yet (has to pass muster with the VA Supreme Court as well as with voters in late April). Anyway, Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA04) is a major endorsement for Taylor, who also has been endorsed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Sen. Tim Kaine, former Gov. Ralph Northam, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08), Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA07), Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA11), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA10), former Virginia AG Mark Herring, VA Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, VA Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, etc.
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan Endorses Henrico’s Top Prosecutor Shannon Taylor for Congress
Rep. McClellan joins Virginia leaders including Gov. Spanberger and Sen. Tim Kaine in backing Taylor’s campaign in both the existing 1st District and in the newly proposed 5th District if voters choose new maps
Campaign has over $500K cash on hand after raising more than $875K in just five months
HENRICO, VA — Today, Representative Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced her endorsement of Henrico’s top prosecutor Shannon Taylor in her race for Congress.
“I enthusiastically endorse Shannon Taylor for Congress. Shannon’s impressive career demonstrates her commitment to public service and her ability to get results,” said Rep. McClellan. “She will be a strong, thoughtful partner in Congress, focused on lowering costs, protecting people’s rights, and delivering for Virginia families. I look forward to supporting her campaign and to having her as a colleague in Washington.”
In addition to Congresswoman McClellan, Taylor has earned the endorsement of Governor Spanberger, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, former Governor Terry McAuliffe, former Governor Ralph Northam, Rep. Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA-11).
This endorsement follows last week’s announcement that Taylor intends to run for Congress in Virginia’s newly proposed 5th Congressional District if the new maps are approved.
Taylor’s campaign has raised more than $875,00o since she announced her bid in September. Her fundraising strength underscores broad support for Taylor’s message rooted in taking on corruption and lowering costs for Virginia families — and demonstrates that her campaign has the resources needed to flip a critical House seat come November.
Both non-partisan elections race raters Cook Political Report and Inside Elections recently shifted their ratings in Taylor’s direction, specifically citing the strength of her candidacy.
About Shannon
Shannon Taylor is a battle-tested prosecutor with 25 years of experience and a 90% conviction rate in homicide cases, taking on the toughest threats to Virginia families and delivering justice. A native of Charlottesville and graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Richmond Law School, she began her career as a prosecutor in Richmond before serving as a Special Assistant in the U.S. Attorney’s office. In 2011, she flipped the Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office from Republican to Democrat, becoming the first woman elected to the role. She has since been re-elected three times, proving she knows how to win tough races.
As Commonwealth’s Attorney, Taylor has pioneered programs to support victims of human trafficking, created a task force to tackle the opioid epidemic, and led prosecutors statewide in pledging not to criminalize women or doctors for abortion care. She has worked alongside law enforcement to keep families safe, fought fraud that harms working people, and partnered with gun safety advocates to take illegal guns off the streets.
Shannon Taylor has built her career on protecting Virginians and delivering justice for families regardless of their politics.
For more on Shannon Taylor’s campaign, visit ShannonTaylorVA.com.
