If you try to pin down the Virginia 4th congressional district using a single vibe, you’re going to fail. Honestly. It’s a massive, sprawling stretch of the Commonwealth that somehow manages to hold the high-energy urban pulse of Richmond and the quiet, tobacco-stained history of Southside Virginia in the same pocket. Most people just see it as a "blue" dot on a map, but that’s a lazy take.
It's way more complicated than that.
The district currently runs from the capital city all the way down to the North Carolina border. You’ve got the glass office towers of Richmond, the historic brick of Petersburg, and then—bam—you're in the middle of a peanut farm in Surry or Sussex. It’s a majority-minority district where history doesn't just sit in museums; it actively shapes who wins elections and how people spend their money.
The Political Shift You Might Have Missed
The 4th wasn't always a Democratic stronghold. For years, it was represented by Republicans like Randy Forbes. But then 2016 happened. A court-ordered redistricting basically blew up the old boundaries because the previous maps were found to be unconstitutional—essentially packing Black voters into one area to dilute their power elsewhere.
Once the lines changed to include more of Richmond and Henrico, the math flipped. It went from a "maybe" for Democrats to a "definitely." Donald McEachin held the seat with a steady hand until his passing in late 2022, which led to a massive moment in Virginia politics: the election of Jennifer McClellan.
McClellan didn't just win; she shattered a ceiling. She became the first Black woman ever sent to Congress from Virginia. Think about that for a second. In the former capital of the Confederacy, it took until 2023 for a Black woman to represent that soil in D.C.
Who is Jennifer McClellan?
If you’ve spent any time following the General Assembly in Richmond, you know she’s a powerhouse. She spent nearly two decades in the state legislature before making the jump to Congress. She isn't a "firebrand" in the way cable news likes them; she’s more of a policy nerd who knows how to get things done.
Right now, in early 2026, she’s knee-deep in the second year of the 119th Congress. Her focus? It’s pretty grounded stuff. While the national news is screaming about whatever the latest scandal is, she’s been pushing H.R. 5243 to make Medicare Advantage more transparent for seniors. She also recently went to bat for the "Roadless Rule" to protect national forests.
It’s about the details.
She recently launched her 2026 Black History Month Essay Contest for students, and her "Valentines for Veterans" program is currently collecting cards in her Richmond and Brunswick offices. It’s that mix of high-level policy and "local neighbor" energy that keeps her approval ratings solid.
The Money and the Work
Let’s talk about the economy here because it’s weirdly diverse. In the northern part of the district, specifically Richmond and Henrico, it’s all about Health Care, Retail, and Education.
- VCU Health is a massive employer.
- Capital One has a huge footprint.
- Altria (the tobacco giant) is still a major player.
But as you head south into Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Brunswick, the landscape changes. It becomes about logistics and transportation. We're talking big trucks and warehouses. The median household income for the district hovers around $69,839, but that’s an average that hides a lot of "haves" and "have-nots." Richmond has pockets of extreme wealth right next to areas struggling with high poverty rates.
| Area | Median Age (Approx) | Major Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond City | 34 | Urban, Artsy, Government |
| Charles City | 52 | Rural, Historic, Quiet |
| Petersburg | 37 | Post-Industrial, Growing |
| Brunswick | 44 | Agricultural, Traditional |
Actually, that table doesn't even tell the whole story. You’ve got the Port of Virginia influences creeping in, and the military presence near Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee) is huge. If the base has a good year, the local restaurants in Hopewell and Prince George have a good year. It’s that simple.
What 2026 Looks Like
We are heading into another election cycle. The Virginia 4th congressional district is currently rated as "Solid Democratic" by folks like the Cook Political Report. McClellan won her 2024 re-election with about 67% of the vote against Republican Bill Moher.
Barring some kind of political earthquake, she’s the heavy favorite for the November 3, 2026, general election.
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But don’t let the "safe seat" label fool you. The voters here are demanding. There’s a lot of tension right now regarding healthcare costs. McClellan has been vocal about the expiration of the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which has hit a lot of families in the district hard. In her recent newsletters, she’s been highlighting how 17 Republicans actually broke ranks to help Democrats extend those credits—a rare bit of bipartisanship in a very divided D.C.
The Real Struggles Nobody Mentions
If you live in the 4th, you know the "Richmond-Petersburg" divide is real. For a long time, Petersburg felt left behind while Richmond saw a massive boom in breweries and tech startups.
There’s a push now to connect these areas better. The Central Virginia Transportation Authority is trying to figure out how to make the commute from the rural southern counties into the city less of a nightmare. And honestly, it is a nightmare during rush hour on I-95.
Also, the district is roughly 40% Black and 42% White. This parity makes it a bellwether for how diverse coalitions actually function. When you hear pundits talk about "the Black vote," they’re often oversimplifying. The concerns of a Black entrepreneur in the Fan District of Richmond are often wildly different from a Black farmer in Greensville County. McClellan’s job is to bridge that gap, which isn't easy.
Common Misconceptions
People think it’s just Richmond. It’s not. Richmond only makes up about 28% of the registered voters. If you ignore Chesterfield and Henrico (the parts that fall into the 4th), you lose the election.
Another myth? That the rural parts are "Trump Country." While the southern counties are certainly more conservative, there are deep-rooted Democratic communities in the "Black Belt" of Virginia that have been there for generations. These voters are the backbone of the district’s identity.
Actionable Insights for Residents
If you're living in the 4th or just moved there, you've got some work to do to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the 2026 Budget: Local funding for school construction is a huge issue McClellan has been pushing since her days in the state senate. Keep an eye on how federal grants for infrastructure are hitting your specific county.
- Healthcare Windows: If you're on the ACA exchange, the recent legislative fights over tax credits mean your premiums might fluctuate. Check your status on the exchange now rather than waiting for the next open enrollment.
- Engage Locally: McClellan holds regular town halls (she just had two in early January 2026). These aren't just for griping; they’re where you find out about things like the "Valentines for Veterans" card drives or student essay contests.
- Voter Deadlines: The filing deadline for candidates for the 2026 cycle is April 2, 2026. If you're looking to see who is challenging the incumbent, that's the date to circle on your calendar.
The Virginia 4th congressional district isn't just a line on a map. It’s a messy, beautiful, historical cross-section of the American South trying to figure out its future. Whether it’s the tech growth in the city or the agricultural resilience in the south, this district is the heart of Virginia's political identity.
Stay tuned to the local news out of the Richmond Times-Dispatch or the Progress-Index in Petersburg to see how the 2026 race develops. Political lines might be "safe," but the issues are always moving.
Key Takeaways for 2026
- Election Date: November 3, 2026.
- Incumbent: Jennifer McClellan (D).
- Primary Deadline: April 2, 2026.
- Economic Drivers: Health care, logistics, military (Fort Gregg-Adams).
If you need to reach the district offices, they are located in Richmond and Brunswick. Make sure you're registered to vote by the October deadline to have your say in the upcoming midterm.