Northern Virginia native Adele McClure is a community activist with policy expertise in breaking down systemic barriers, expanding human rights, and improving access to services in Arlington and across Virginia. As the leader of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, she has been at the forefront of developing the caucus's legislative agenda and managing its operations. Adele's lived experiences and dedication to progress make her a strong advocate for the needs of the people in Arlington and a trailblazer as the first Black and Asian representative for the region in the Virginia General Assembly.

As Executive Director of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Adele McClure has been at the forefront of expanding the legislative agenda to address environmental justice. She championed the establishment of Virginia's Environmental Justice Council and fought for greater oversight of utility monopolies to ensure fair electricity prices for all Virginians. McClure is dedicated to making Virginia's clean energy transition just and affordable, advocating for stronger energy efficiency standards, increased funding for low-income solar and energy efficiency programs, and necessary reforms in utility regulation. Her principled stance against accepting money from utility monopolies demonstrates her commitment to serving the interests of the people.

McClure's first-hand experience during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the disparities in healthcare, inspiring her to make quality healthcare more accessible and equitable for all. As a member of the Arlington Community Services Board, she advocated for increased services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. McClure will use her valuable experience to contribute to the transformation of Virginia's mental health system. She is dedicated to expanding access and affordability of health insurance and primary care for vulnerable Virginians and will fight against powerful insurance interests to prioritize patient needs.

McClure is passionate about economic equality and workers' rights. She advocates for a living wage, affordable healthcare, paid family and medical leave, retirement security, and strong workplace protections for all working Arlingtonians and Virginians. Recognizing the power of collective bargaining in reducing economic inequality, she will work to ensure that every Virginian has the right to form a union with their co-workers. Her work with the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus led to raising the minimum wage, removing outdated exemptions, and expanding collective bargaining rights during the pandemic. As a Delegate, McClure will continue to champion worker rights by repealing the "Right To Work" law, removing minimum wage exemptions for farm workers, and advocating for guaranteed paid sick leave and paid family medical leave.

As someone who has struggled with poverty and homelessness in her youth, McClure is committed to ensuring that all Virginians have access to stable, safe, and affordable housing, which is crucial for their well-being and success in various aspects of life. She has been actively involved in protecting renters and homeowners from eviction and foreclosure, serving as a point person for eviction prevention at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. As a Delegate, McClure will work to create more affordable housing, prevent evictions, expand tenant rights, eliminate housing discrimination, and increase access to funds for homeownership, especially for historically marginalized communities. Her advocacy in the housing policy space includes developing a homeownership funding program to address historical disparities.

Adele is running unopposed and is a progressive choice in this race. Close Window