The following press release from the Jennifer McClellan for Governor campaign announces “14 new endorsements from Virginia leaders,” bringing her to “30 endorsements from elected officials and community leaders” since kicking off her campaign on June 18. The other announced Democratic candidates so far are Del. Jennifer Carrol Foy and AG Mark Herring, although there’s no actual sign of Herring putting a gubernatorial campaign together. Also, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe is widely expected to throw his hat in the ring after the November 3 election…
McClellan Campaign Announces 14 New Endorsements from Virginia Leaders
Sen. McClellan now has endorsement of 10 legislators, leading field of candidates
RICHMOND, Va. – Today, Sen. Jennifer McClellan’s campaign announced 14 new endorsements from across Virginia. The endorsements include four sitting members of legislature, along with local elected officials and key community leaders from a diverse cross-section of Virginia.
McClellan’s campaign announced the following 14 endorsements:
- Sen. Lynwood Lewis (Accomack)
- Del. David Bulova (Fairfax)
- Del. Betsy Carr (Richmond)
- Del. Paul Krizek (Fairfax)
- Former House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong (Henry)
- Former Del. Albert Pollard (Lancaster)
- Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Hingeley
- Alexandria School Board Member Jacinta Green
- Falls Church School Board Chair Lawrence Webb
- Susan Platt, 2017 Lt. Gov. candidate and founder of EmergeVA
- Sindy Benavides, advocate
- Terron Sims, II, Vice Chair of DNC Veterans and Military Families Council
- Kelli Lemon, owner of Urban Hang Suite in Richmond
- Mike Hamlar, owner of Hamlar Properties, Roanoke
McClellan’s campaign now has endorsements from 10 sitting legislators: Sens. Mamie Locke (Hampton), Lewis, Monty Mason (Williamsburg), Jennifer Boysko (Fairfax), Ghazala Hashmi (Chesterfield), and Dels. Bulova, Carr, Krizek, Jeff Bourne (Richmond), and Rodney Willet (Henrico).
“I’m honored to receive the endorsements of these Virginia community leaders,” Sen. McClellan said. “These leaders share a commitment to building a better future that doesn’t leave any Virginia community behind. Our campaign is building momentum and a network of leaders across the commonwealth.”
McClellan now has 30 endorsements from elected officials and community leaders. The new slate of endorsements comes on the heels of 15 endorsements announced on June 18. Earlier this month, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall also endorsed McClellan’s campaign.
“I’ve known Senator McClellan, as a colleague in the House of Delegates and in the State Senate, and as a friend, for years,” said Sen. Lynwood Lewis. “I believe her record of leadership, bipartisanship and success as a legislator showcase how uniquely qualified she is to lead our Commonwealth in these unprecedented times. I have been honored to work alongside her on issues critical to the future of our Commonwealth, from the expansion of voting rights and access to healthcare through Medicaid expansion to clean energy innovation and criminal justice reform. Senator McClellan is respected and admired by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle and has proven herself to be community-minded and results-driven. It is my honor to endorse my friend and colleague Senator Jennifer McClellan in her campaign to become the next Governor of Virginia.”
“I’m delighted to endorse Jennifer McClellan,” said Del. Betsy Carr. “Her thoughtful leadership and attention to constituents plays a vital role in making our communities a better place to live, work, and play. I’m confident she will continue to work hard to do the same for the entire Commonwealth as Governor.”
“Jenn is a thoughtful, powerful voice for our values and a champion for quality education and a clean environment for all Virginians,” said Del. David Bulova. “I have worked with Jenn for more than 15 years in the General Assembly. She knows how to bring people together to get things done and will make an exceptional Governor. I am proud to stand with her.”
“No one is more prepared to lead our Commonwealth forward than Jennifer McClellan,” said Del. Paul Krizek. “I have followed her career in public service for many years and am consistently impressed by her commitment, passion, effective leadership, and strong advocacy for the values Virginians care about: quality education for all, combating racial inequity, access to reproductive health, criminal justice reform, and the rights of workers, to name just a few. She is a fighter for the underdog and her compassion knows no bounds. Senator McClellan has not just my strong endorsement, but also my support and assistance as she campaigns to be our next Governor.”
“There is no shortage of political speeches in the Virginia General Assembly,” said former House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong. “I served with Senator McClellan for nearly a decade. I can tell you from personal experience that when Jennifer spoke on the floor of the House of Delegates, people listened. I want her to speak for all of us as Governor.”
“As her former seatmate in the House of Delegates, I first learned of Jennifer’s deep and sincere interest in genealogy and history,” said former Del. Albert Pollard. “She brings a knowledge of our collective past combined with the passion to address today’s challenges. Jennifer led the way this year to pass historic climate legislation this year that will make Virginia a national leader in clean energy. She is the right leader with the vision to move Virginia forward as the next governor.”
“Jennifer McClellan is a champion for criminal justice reform,” said Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Hingeley. “Fighting for a fairer system for over a decade, she’s been way ahead of many others in recognizing the urgent need for reform. I’ve been honored to work with her on criminal justice issues, and I know her vision for a more equitable and progressive Commonwealth is what we need in our next governor.”
“I’ve known Jenn for many years, since she was helping elect Democrats as YD Chair and as a leader of EmergeVA helping to elect more women of all backgrounds to public service,” said Susan Platt. “She is a proven leader who is dedicated to improving the lives of all Virginians and with the knowledge and drive to get it done.”
“I’m thrilled and excited to support Jenn in her bid for Governor of Virginia,” said Sindy Benavides. “She will represent all constituents of our great Commonwealth and ensure that every person has a seat at the table.”
McClellan’s full list of 30 endorsements is:
- Senators: Sens. Mamie Locke (Hampton), Lynwood Lewis (Accomack), Monty Mason (Williamsburg), Jennifer Boysko (Fairfax) and Ghazala Hashmi (Chesterfield)
- Delegates: David Bulova (Fairfax), Betsy Carr (Richmond), Paul Krizek (Fairfax), Jeff Bourne (Richmond) and Rodney Willet (Henrico)
- Former Delegates: Minority Leader Ward Armstrong (Henry), Albert Pollard (Lancaster)
- Mayors: Justin Wilson (Alexandria) and Deanna Reed (Harrisonburg)
- County Board: Phyllis Randall (Chair, Loudoun), Katie Cristol (Arlington), Faye Pritchard (Hanover)
- City Treasurer: Daun Hester (Norfolk)
- Commonwealth’s Attorney: Jim Hingeley (Albemarle)
- School Board members: Jacinta Green (Alexandria), Lawrence Webb (Falls Church)
- Democratic Party leaders: Susan Platt, 2017 Lt. Gov. candidate and founder of EmergeVA; Terron Sims, II, Vice Chair of DNC Veterans and Military Families Council
- Community leaders and advocates: Sindy Benavides, advocate; Rodney Robinson (Richmond), 2019 National Teacher of the Year; Douglas Garcia, Education Advocate and former Virginia Assistant Secretary of Education; Kati Hornung (Chesterfield), women’s equality activist; Dr. Andrea Douglas (Charlottesville), art & culture historian & community leader
- Business leaders: Kelli Lemon (Richmond), owner of Urban Hang Suite; Mike Hamlar (Roanoke), owner of Hamlar Properties
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