Jennifer Mcclellan — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Virginia, 2026

Jennifer McClellan voted against H.R. 7147 in 2026, a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She stated the bill did not go far enough to rein in ICE, citing concerns about ICE agents ignoring the Constitution and causing fear. Additionally, she noted that terminating Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) would cause serious harm, including family separation and economic disruption.

“None of this has served to make us safer, and this disturbing pattern of behavior demands drastic action. Yet today’s bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security does not go nearly far enough to rein in an out-of-control ICE and hold it accountable for the chaos and fear it has unleashed. I voted no. — Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, McClellan Statement on Funding ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, January 22, 2026”

Jennifer McClellan introduced H.R.5243 to increase data transparency for supplemental benefits under Medicare Advantage. She voted against the Republican health care bill, advocating instead for the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits, which she sees as crucial for affordability. McClellan also opposed piecemeal funding, believing comprehensive solutions are necessary to ensure all Americans can access necessary care without financial burden.

“Today, House Democrats and a handful of House Republicans took a giant leap forward to bring relief to millions of Americans unable to afford the rising cost of health care without the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act. The three-year extension offers a lifeline for those forced into choosing between whether to keep paying for health care, food on the table or other basic necessities. Amidst rising prices across the board, I spent months sharing the stories of people who just want to support their families and themselves while having the peace of mind that they can get the care they need when they need it without going bankrupt." — Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, Statement on House Passage of ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Extension”

Jennifer McClellan supports climate action and environmental justice, viewing climate change as an environmental, economic, health, and racial justice issue. She co-introduced the FERC Greenhouse Gas and Environmental Justice Policy Act of 2025 to require federal assessment of natural gas pipeline impacts on climate and environmental justice communities. She also works to ensure federal climate funding from the Inflation Reduction Act prioritizes environmental justice and supports Virginia's Clean Economy Act.

Jennifer McClellan is an original cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade and supports legislation like the Right to Contraception Act. She voted against bills such as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and H.R.6914, which she stated aimed to spread disinformation about abortion. She affirms that abortion care is healthcare, and women cannot be free without reproductive freedom. She received the Planned Parenthood Votes South Atlantic’s Legislative Leadership & Courage Award for her work.

“From the overturning of Roe v. Wade by Trump-appointed Justices on the Supreme Court to drastic Medicaid cuts that hurt patients and providers alike, we’ve seen reproductive health care fall further and further out of reach for millions. Comprehensive and accessible reproductive health care remains a public health, social justice and human rights issue — and this resolution ensures we treat it with the seriousness it deserves. I thank Rep. Williams for her leadership on this resolution. We won't rest until reproductive rights are fully restored and upheld across our nation.” (Jennifer McClellan, press release with Rep. Alma S. Adams, December 10, 2025)”

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan voted against extending Department of Homeland Security funding, advocating for significant reforms and accountability for DHS actions. She criticized the Trump Administration's military strikes in Iran and Venezuela, specifically citing a lack of Congressional approval and clear long-term strategy. While supporting the FY26 NDAA for its improvements in military pay and family support, she opposed provisions undermining diversity initiatives, emphasizing service member well-being and national security through bipartisan collaboration.

“Without evidence of an imminent threat, the Trump Administration should refrain from major military action. These latest strikes in Iran without Congressional approval risk throwing the region into chaos and put our servicemembers in harm’s way without a clear long-term strategy." — Jennifer McClellan, McClellan Statement on Trump’s Military Strikes on Iran, February 28, 2026.”

Jennifer McClellan supports education funding and introduced federal legislation to support career and technical education programs, aiming to ease students' pathways and connect them with industry. She also introduced Virginia state legislation (SB 490) to implement K-12 Standards of Quality, which includes minimum staffing levels for schools, increased support staff for mental health, and resources for students in poverty. She has advocated for teacher training and resources.

““As they grow up, students around the country face a whirlwind of overwhelming choices when considering what educational pathway is best for their future,” McClellan said in a statement. “Through this legislation, I hope to make that process easier for students and their families while connecting industry partners with young talent.””

Jennifer McClellan supports comprehensive gun reform to protect communities, stating that gun deaths are preventable. She led efforts to pass a bill requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms and cosponsored laws to reinstate Virginia’s one-gun-a-month rule and implement universal background checks. Additionally, she opposed legislation that would grant convicted domestic abusers access to firearms.