Overview

Antwan L. McClellan represents New Jersey’s 1st Legislative District, encompassing Cape May County and portions of Atlantic and Cumberland counties. First elected to the General Assembly in 2019, McClellan became the first African American Republican to serve in the state legislature since 2002. He currently holds the position of Deputy Minority Leader, having previously served as Minority Whip from 2022 to 2023.

Before his election to the legislature, McClellan served on the Ocean City Board of Education from 2010 to 2012. He then represented Ocean City’s 2nd Ward on the city council from 2012 to 2020. McClellan currently works as a confidential assistant, personnel director and public information officer for the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department, positions he has held concurrently with his legislative service. He previously worked as a paralegal at an Ocean City law firm and as a supervisor in the casino industry at Sands Casino.

Political Career

Ocean City Board of Education, Member (2010–2012)

Ocean City Council, 2nd Ward Councilman (2012–2020)

New Jersey General Assembly, 1st District (2020–present)

New Jersey General Assembly, Minority Whip (2022–2023)

New Jersey General Assembly, Deputy Minority Leader (2024–present)

Key Policy Areas

Tourism infrastructure and regional funding

Coastal community flood insurance and DEP regulation

Manufacturing tax incentives

Senior housing and disaster relief

Municipal budget autonomy (beach fees, server wages)

Homeland security and state preparedness

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Prime sponsor of legislation establishing the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, signed into law as P.L. 2022, c. 102

First African American elected to represent southernmost New Jersey counties in the General Assembly

Served as Chaplain, New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus

Secured alternative housing for Ocean City seniors displaced by Superstorm Sandy (2012)

Secured passage of $500 million manufacturing tax incentive program

Education

Ocean City High School (1993)

Virginia State University (attended; degree status not publicly available)

Old Dominion University (attended; degree status not publicly available)

Personal

Birth date: Not publicly available

Residence: Ocean City, New Jersey