VA-04 Update: Kaine endorses McClellan
Senator Tim Kaine endorsed Jennifer McClellan in the Democratic nomination battle.
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Kaine endorses McClellan
United States Senator Tim Kaine (D) is endorsing Jennifer McClellan in the VA-04 Democratic nomination battle. McClellan is running against Lamont Bagby and Joe Morrissey for the nomination. Candidates have until Friday at 12 pm to file for the Tuesday firehouse primary.
McClellan has already been endorsed by three members of the Virginia congressional delegation: Reps. Jennifer Wexton, Don Beyer, and Gerry Connolly.
Read the full endorsement statement from Kaine below:
“I am proud to endorse Jenn McClellan for Congress in the upcoming special election for the Virginia 4th Congressional District. I have been a mentor to Jenn since before she ran for her first political office. She has represented me as a Delegate and State Senator and done so with passion and distinction. I officiated at her wedding to Dave and have watched her balance the roles of legislator, lawyer, wife, and mother with grace.
"Jenn is a proud Democrat who will work to find common cause with any colleague. Her intellect and team-building skills make her a consummate legislator, able to forge coalitions to accomplish policy wins that serve her constituents and Commonwealth. Jenn is a woman of admirable civility with a backbone of steel on matters of principle. She is a warm and accessible person who draws others to her because of a sensitive ear and a compassionate heart.
"I am excited by the notion that Jenn would be the first African-American woman representing Virginia in Congress. I have seen over my nearly 30 years in politics that old attitudes and double standards still make it harder for women to succeed in this line of work. That’s why, in a nation where more than half of all voters are women, only 27% of the membership of Congress are women. We can advance progress for Virginia and the nation by electing Jenn.
"The loss of Donald McEachin, a friend of nearly 40 years and my own Congressman, still fills me with sadness. I said when he passed that he would not have a replacement—because there is no replacing him—but that I hoped he would have a worthy successor. I believe Jenn McClellan is that person."
The nomination process for the Democrats is a firehouse primary. Voting will take place at five locations across the congressional district on Tuesday from 6 am to 7 pm. One in Lawrenceville, one in Petersburg, one in Henrico, and two in Richmond.
Brunswick Conference Center - 100 Athletic Field Rd, Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868
Dogtown Dance Studio - 109 W 15th St, Richmond, VA 23224
Diversity Richmond - 1407 Sherwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23220
IBEW Local 666 - 1390 E Nine Mile Rd, Highland Springs VA 23075
Tabernacle Baptist Church - 444 Halifax St, Petersburg, VA 23803
In order to vote in this primary, individuals will receive the Democratic Party declaration form, which will require each participant’s full name and address. Participants will also have to sign the following pledge: “I certify that I am a resident of and registered to vote in the 4th Congressional District of Virginia; I am a Democrat; I believe in the principles of the Democratic Party; and I do not intend to support, endorse or assist any candidate who is opposed to the 4th CD Democratic nominee in the ensuing election for Congress.”
Individuals will not be allowed to vote unless they complete the declaration form.
Democrats have until Friday to file their candidacy.
