Virginia congressman Rep. Jennifer McClellan has backed Virginia State senator Jennifer Boysko in her bid to win the state’s 10th congressional district, making her the first member of Virginia’s delegation to replace Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA).
“With extreme MAGA Republicans pushing for dangerous and divisive policies that put women and families at risk, Virginia needs tenacious leaders that never back down. That’s why I’m endorsing Jennifer Boysko for Congress,” McClellan said in a statement obtained first by The Hill. “Working with her in the Virginia General Assembly, I saw firsthand how Jennifer is the relentless fighter we need in Congress to protect reproductive freedoms, stand up to the NRA to address gun violence, and always put Virginia’s working families first. Jennifer has worked tirelessly to solve problems for Northern Virginia families, and she’ll do the same for us in Congress.”
In September, Wexton announced she would resign from her post and not seek reelection, further revealing that her decision stemmed from health challenges. In 2023, she revealed she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but wanted to work on Capitol Hill for “many years to come.”
But the disease progressed to supranuclear palsy, which she said was akin to “Parkinson’s on steroids.”
Following the announcement, Boysko said she would run to replace Wexton shortly after winning Virginia’s state Senate District 33.
The Democratic primary to succeed Wexton is anticipated to be more contested than the general election.
According to Cook Political Report, the district in Northern Virginia, situated in Loudoun County, is classified as “likely Democrat.”
Boysko’s decision to join the race after former Virginia state House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn underscores the competitive nature of the primary. Filler-Corn has emphasized her endorsement from former Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, who previously represented the state’s 33rd Senate District.
Additionally, twelve other Democrats have declared their candidacy for the primary, set to take place on June 18th.
