Virginia’s political landscape is heating up as Rep. Jennifer McClellan teams up with Tennessee state lawmaker Justin Pearson to rally young voters. The duo’s recent appearance at Ettrick Deli near Virginia State University marks a significant push to engage the crucial 18-36 age group ahead of the 2024 elections.
McClellan, who made history as Virginia’s first Black congresswoman, is seeking re-election with higher margins than her 2023 special election victory. Meanwhile, Pearson, known for his role in the “Tennessee Three” controversy, brings national attention to the campaign trail.
Young Voters: The Key to Victory in 2024
Pearson emphasized the power of young voters during his visit. “Folks from the age 18 to 36 are the largest voting bloc in the country,” he stated. This fact underscores the importance of engaging this demographic.
Recent data from Virginia’s Department of Elections supports this focus. Of the over 36,000 new voter registrations last month, more than 22,000 were under 35. Research also suggests Democrats have an edge with younger voters, making this group crucial for election success.
Pressing Issues for Young Democrats
While environmental and social issues remain important, Pearson highlighted economic concerns among young constituents. “We’re talking about having enough money to be able to find a home and start a family,” he explained.
The campaign is framing these issues as a “fight for our future.” Climate change, affordable housing, and economic stability are at the forefront of discussions with young voters.
A Rising Star in Democratic Politics
McClellan praised Pearson as a “rising star” in the Democratic Party. At just 29 years old, Pearson has already made national headlines for his activism and political career.
His expulsion from the Tennessee legislature last spring, along with colleague Justin Jones, catapulted him into the national spotlight. Both lawmakers were later re-elected to their seats, demonstrating strong public support.
Gun Violence Prevention: A Key Campaign Issue
Pearson remains committed to gun violence prevention policies. He advocates for a federal assault-style weapon ban, viewing it as a significant step towards reducing gun violence.
This stance aligns with recent efforts in Virginia, where a proposed assault firearm ban passed the Democratic-controlled legislature before being vetoed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
The Race for the White House: Harris vs. Trump
The collaboration between McClellan and Pearson aims to boost support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Recent polling shows Harris with a slight lead over former President Donald Trump.
Interestingly, Axios reported that Trump’s campaign is scaling back efforts in Virginia and other states. This development could potentially benefit down-ballot Democrats like McClellan.
