Virginia McLean

Virginia McLean earned a high school diploma from Irmo High School, a bachelor's degree from Winthrop University, and a graduate degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. McLean's career experience includes working as a minister.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Virginia McLean is a dedicated community leader, educator, and advocate running for the South Carolina House of Representatives to bring a fresh, creative perspective to Columbia. As an "Army brat," she learned the values of discipline and sacrifice early on—values she now applies to her community service and candidacy. Virginia earned a B.A. from Winthrop University and a Master’s from The Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and has spent her career focused on the growth and well-being of children, youth, and families. She currently serves as the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, where she puts her faith into action by advocating for the inherent dignity of every individual. She is also an artist and a co-founder of the Spartanburg Creative Reuse Art Project, a non-profit promoting environmental awareness through artistic expression. Virginia lives in Lyman with her husband and two sons.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I believe that every child in South Carolina deserves a world-class education, and every teacher deserves the resources and respect necessary to provide it. I am running for the House because I am tired of seeing our public schools and educators sidelined; it’s time for a representative who treats our children’s future—from those first preschool milestones to high school graduation—as their top priority.Spartanburg County is no longer the best-kept secret in the South—we are growing at a rapid pace, and while that brings incredible opportunity, it also brings a significant strain on our daily lives. As I talk to neighbors across the district, the message is clear: our infrastructure is struggling to keep up. We cannot continue to add new homes and businesses without a serious, long-term plan for our roads and schools. I am committed to advocating for smart, sustainable growth that ensures our community remains livable and safe. This means fighting for our fair share of state funding to help maintain our infrastructure as we grow.At the heart of my faith and my service is a simple, unwavering belief: every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness under the law. True freedom means building a state where everyone can live authentically, work without fear of discrimination, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. Our district is a tapestry of different stories and identities. I will make sure that liberty and justice truly applies to all South Carolinians.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about education and advocating for teachers and students from preschool through graduation. I am also passionate about equality and civil rights to protect human dignity and ensure fair and equal treatment under the law. Last, I am passionate about our environment and leaving this world better than we found it.