Confederate statues are coming down in Richmond, Virginia, among many Southern states that still have them.
While Virginia was the first state to elect a Black male governor, Douglas Wilder, in 1990, they’ve never had a Black female governor.
McClellan is a formidable opponent as the state’s current Republican governor Ralph Northam cannot run again to term limits.
So far, aside from Caroll Foy, her competition may include popular former governor Terry McAuliffe, Richmond mayor Levar Stoney and the first Republican contender to declare, Trump supporter and current state senator Amanda Chase who wants to run the “liberal, socialistic agenda” out of Virginia.
Given the current climate as the country has been roiled by protests again police brutality and Virginia becoming an increasingly blue state, McClellan hopes that her progressive, inclusive campaign platform will resonate with voters from all backgrounds.