The 2025 election season is now in full swing and primaries are happening now! Today we are profiling Adele McClure (she/her/hers) who recently won her primary for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates. Adele is a queer millennial of Black and Filipino descent who was the first member of her family to attend college. Although a classically trained pianist, she is a My Chemical Romance superfan who loves punk, emo, and alt rock. The issues Adele is most passionate about include mental health, housing, and gun safety.

Where are you based?
Arlington, Virginia

What is your position/what position are you running for?
I am running for re-election to continue representing Arlington’s 2nd District in the Virginia House of Delegates.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
As Delegate, I am committed to working with constituents, community leaders, organizations, activists, and others to pass legislation that breaks down barriers, protects human rights, and expands access to critical services for people in Arlington and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. All issues are interconnected and I believe in a holistic approach to policy and improving the lives of others.

What inspired you to run?
Growing up, my lived experiences highlighted the systemic issues facing those in poverty and inspired me to become a fierce advocate for those in need. I stepped up to represent the needs of the people of Arlington and to support working families so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I’m fighting for freedom in Arlington, the Commonwealth, and beyond. And that’s because, when we secure freedom, we secure everything else. The freedom to make your own reproductive decisions; to afford accessible housing; to become a member of a union and advocate for your economic future; to be who you are without fear of reprisals; to live your life free of gun violence; to have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare; for your children to go to world-class schools; for immigrant to feel safe, secure, and respected; from a chaotic, divisive government, and so much more.

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I am currently serving my first term in the Virginia House of Delegates, and I am extremely proud of the work I have accomplished so far. I introduced bills during the 2025 General Assembly session to empower workers, curb gun violence, protect tenants, make childcare more affordable, improve maternal healthcare, and more. I am pleased to share that 13 of my bills and 1 resolution passed the General Assembly this year—giving me the highest bill passage rate in the entire House of Delegates.

A few of my bills that were successfully passed and signed into law this year:

HB1614 increases the number of postpartum doula visits covered by Medicaid from 4 to 6, and extends the period of time to utilize these services from 6 to 12 months postpartum.
HB1617 waives fees for homeless youth related to obtaining vital records such as birth certificates, drivers licenses, and state ID cards.
HB2515 bans hidden “junk” fees by requiring businesses to disclose all mandatory junk fees in the advertised and displayed price of any good or service.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The current Administration in Washington is working overtime to decimate the federal workforce, break their spirits, and drive them out. Additionally, the many different pauses and cuts to federal funding raises serious concerns for Virginia's economy and the ability to maintain essential services for the people who rely on them. Over 25,000 federal employees work in Arlington—and many more call Arlington home. I am fighting alongside my Democratic colleagues to protect vulnerable Virginians from the Trump Administration’s indefensible, abrupt, and cruel attacks on our workforce.

I created a Resource Hub for Federal Employees on my website with information that may help during this difficult time.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Lasting change is only possible when we move forward together. To me, community is about coming together to support, challenge, and grow with one another in pursuit of something greater than ourselves.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I am both the first Black person since Reconstruction and the first Asian person to represent Arlington County in the Virginia General Assembly. I am the granddaughter of a sharecropper, the daughter of a resilient early childhood educator, and the daughter of a Filipino immigrant who found a pathway to citizenship and served in the U.S. Army.

My mother raised me and my three siblings on her own. We struggled and faced almost every issue that I now work in the General Assembly to address. As a result, my lived experience constantly informs the legislation I champion, the policies I pursue, and the causes I fight for. Even through all of the barriers and trauma we faced as a family, we stood together and found strength with each other and with our community. These days, we all volunteer and participate in our communities in different ways. My lived experience, passion for public service, and background gives me a unique perspective and approach to policy.

What is your motto in life?
Through perseverance, pain becomes purpose and struggle becomes strength.

Where can we find out more about you?
Check out my website (adeleforva.com), subscribe to my mailing list, and follow me on social media for timely updates.

Instagram: @adeleforva
Facebook: AdeleforVA
X: @AdeleMcClure_

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Adele McClure, Virginia House of Delegates District 2