by Brandon Jarvis

Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-VA04, is backing two Democrats in competitive House of Delegates districts. Democrats lost both of these seats in close races and hope to flip them next year.

In HD-82, McClellan announced she is backing Kimberly Pope Adams, who lost to Del. Kim Taylor, R-Dinwiddie, by 53 votes in 2023.

“At a time when our rights and freedoms are being stripped away, it is now more important than ever to elect state legislators who reflect our core values. That is why I am proud to endorse Kimberly Pope Adams for Virginia House of Delegates District 82. Kimberly is a dedicated, working mother who understands the needs and concerns of her district. I am confident she will take that same dedication to the House of Delegates.”

Pope Adams also has the backing of Speaker of the House Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-VA07, a sign that Democrats see this seat as a key district to expand their 51-49 majority in the House.

In the northern part of McClellan’s district, she is also backing May Nivar, who is running in Henrico’s HD-57.

“I’ve seen May work hard and stand up for what she believes in,” McClellan said. “She will be a champion for our community in the House of Delegates and the reproductive freedom champion we need at the moment.”

Democrats lost HD-57 by two points in 2023 to Del. David Owen, R-Henrico, and hope the backlash to Donald Trump’s presidency will help them gain an edge in Henrico, a county that has been trending blue since the mid-2010s.

Both Pope Adams and Nivar are currently running unopposed for the Democratic nomination right now.


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