Jennifer McClellan announces bid to be Virginia governor

RICHMOND, Va. - A Virginia state senator is launching a bid to be the state's next governor, which if successful would make her the nation's first African American woman to lead a state. Sen. Jennifer McClellan announced Thursday that she's running for governor next year.

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She says she has the right skill set and track record to rebuild Virginia's economy, safety nets and communities mid a coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest over police violence and systematic racism.

Virginia state Senator Jennifer McClellan(D-9th) at work in the statehouse, on February, 20, 2019 in Richmond, VA. (Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

In an interview with The Associated Press ahead of her formal announcement, she said she's a proven problem solver and a "compassionate listener" who will work to build a more inclusive state.

Jennifer McClellan announces bid to be Virginia governor

A Virginia state senator is launching a bid to be the state's next governor, which if successful would make her the nation's first African American woman to lead a state. Sen. Jennifer McClellan announced Thursday that she's running for governor next year.