MEET ANDRIA

Andria McClellan

is a regional leader, businesswoman, local elected official, community volunteer, wife, and mom of three. Currently, she serves the 125,000 residents of Superward 6 on the Norfolk City Council, a position to which she was first elected in 2016 after defeating a sixteen-year incumbent. Andria is running to represent Norfolk in the newly-drawn 21st Virginia Senate district.

“I’m running because I want to see Norfolk and Virginia do more than change—I want to see our communities transform to meet the needs of all of our residents. That requires the hard work of making Virginia safer, healthier, and more accessible. While we’ve made good progress as a Commonwealth, there’s still an urgent need to invest more in education, tackle the climate crisis and mitigate flooding, address gun violence, increase affordable housing, expand access to high-speed internet, and so much more. As a mother, policymaker, and community advocate, I have done this hard work and look forward to continuing fighting for resources for Norfolk in the General Assembly.”

“I’m running because I want to see Norfolk and Virginia do more than change—I want to see our communities transform to meet the needs of all of our residents. That requires the hard work of making Virginia safer, healthier, and more accessible. While we’ve made good progress as a Commonwealth, there’s still an urgent need to invest more in education, tackle the climate crisis and mitigate flooding, address gun violence, increase affordable housing, expand access to high-speed internet, and so much more. As a mother, policymaker, and community advocate, I have done this hard work and look forward to continuing fighting for resources for Norfolk in the General Assembly.”

Andria grew up in Hampton Roads, and thanks to the hard work of her single mom and amazing teachers in Virginia Beach public schools, she excelled academically and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia. After UVA, she worked on the sales and marketing teams of two Fortune 500 companies, graduated from the Wharton Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania, and ran two small businesses. In 1998, with their first son on the way, she and her husband, Mike, decided to move back home to Hampton Roads to be close to family. The McClellans are members of the Ghent Neighborhood League, and Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Upon returning home, Andria began investing her expertise in local small businesses. She previously co-founded Tidewater Venture Mentors and served on the board of the Hampton Roads Technology Council. In 2003, Governor Mark Warner appointed her to the Virginia Small Business Advisory Board, where she served as Chair (2004-2005). Andria co-founded and serves on the board of the Democratic Business Alliance of South Hampton Roads and currently serves on the executive boards of 757 Angels and 757 Accelerate.

Environmental Leadership

Andria is a leader in resilience, water quality, and climate change.

  • Serves on the statewide Joint Subcommittee on Coastal Flooding
  • Chair, Coastal Resilience Subcommittee of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
  • Two gubernatorial appointments to the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Local Government Advisory Committee
  • Former Co-Chair, Norfolk Mayor’s Commission on Climate Change
  • Member, American Flood Coalition

Smart Growth Expertise

Andria is passionate about smart growth and has used her experience to champion sustainable development that fosters economic opportunity, increases access to affordable housing, advances the electrification of our transportation system, and ensures climate resiliency through enhanced public transit and expanded bike/pedestrian trails.

  • Commissioner & Past Chair, Hampton Roads Transit
  • Chair, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
  • Former Norfolk Planning Commissioner
  • Board Member, Elizabeth River Trail Foundation

Technology Executive

As the founder of a technology start-up and former member of the Hampton Roads Technology Council, Andria understands the need for innovation and that access to reliable and affordable high-speed broadband is critical to Norfolk and our region.

  • Spearheaded the creation of a five-city, 110-mile broadband regional fiber ring
  • Serves as Vice-Chair of Southside Network Authority

Community Action

Andria has served on numerous non-profit boards and commissions to raise funds and awareness for services for families and children and those most in need in our community.

  • Former Board Member, The Up Center
  • Former Board Member, Samaritan House
  • Former Board Member, ACCESS College Foundation
  • Gubernatorial appointment to the Virginia Children & Family Trust Fund
  • Co-Chair, Norfolk Mayor’s Commission on Social Equity & Economic Opportunity

Democratic Leader

Andria is a trusted leader in state Democratic politics and committees but is also firmly committed to advancing bipartisan relationships.

  • Member and former Precinct Captain, Norfolk Democratic Committee
  • Former Vice Chair, Finance, Democratic Party of Virginia
  • Lead Virginia endorser for Pete Buttigieg, 2020
  • Member, NewDEAL Leaders
  • Statewide Advisory Board, Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership
  • National Advisory Board, UVA’s Center for Politics
  • Executive Committee, CIVIC Leadership Institute

With extensive networks throughout Norfolk, the Hampton Roads region, the Commonwealth and nationally, Andria is looking forward to leveraging her relationships to address critical issues and secure much needed resources for Norfolk in the Virginia State Senate.

Important Recognitions

  • “Hampton Roads Chamber Regional Statesperson Award,” Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, 2022
  • “Harvey L. Lindsay Jr. Changemaker” honoree, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, 2020
  • Inside Business “Power List,” 2019
  • “Best of Gay HRVA,” Best Ally (2018) & Best Elected Local Official (2019), Outwire 757
  • “Outstanding Woman in Business,” Inside Business, 2018
  • “Outstanding Emerging Philanthropic Leader of Hampton Roads,” Association of Fundraising Professionals, 2015
  • “Famous Former,” Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast; 2012
  • “Woman of Distinction,” YWCA of Hampton Roads, 2011
  • “Local Hero,” Bank of America, 2010
  • “Top 40 Under 40,” Inside Business, 2003
  • “Top 30 Under 30,” Washington Technology Journal, 2000.
  • “Hampton Roads Chamber Regional Statesperson Award,” Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, 2022
  • “Harvey L. Lindsay Jr. Changemaker” honoree, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, 2020
  • Inside Business “Power List,” 2019
  • “Best of Gay HRVA,” Best Ally (2018) & Best Elected Local Official (2019), Outwire 757
  • “Outstanding Woman in Business,” Inside Business, 2018
  • “Outstanding Emerging Philanthropic Leader of Hampton Roads,” Association of Fundraising Professionals, 2015
  • “Famous Former,” Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast; 2012
  • “Woman of Distinction,” YWCA of Hampton Roads, 2011
  • “Local Hero,” Bank of America, 2010
  • “Top 40 Under 40,” Inside Business, 2003
  • “Top 30 Under 30,” Washington Technology Journal, 2000.