RICHMOND, Va. — Rep. Nadarius Clark, D-Suffolk, is the youngest member of the Virginia General Assembly. The 28-year-old Hampton Roads native is trying to get more young people involved in politics.
Clark came to Richmond to attend Virginia Union University, where he studied fine arts, including music and theater. After his graduation, he became involved in politics through his activities.
He worked as a campaign organizer with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who served as the state's governor from 2006 to 2010. Clark said there he “learned to meet people where they are and find out what is important to them.”
Cain recognized Clark's desire to “make a real, lasting, positive difference.”
“Young people can bring new perspective and urgency to the critical issues facing this country, which is why it’s important to get more young people thinking about public service to serve their communities.” “I think so,” Kane said.
Clark sees himself as not just fighting for the 84th District or the people of Virginia.
“This is a fight that I'm doing nationally, along with a lot of other great young people who are coming forward and joining this fight,” Clark said.
Mr. Clark first held public office at the age of 26 and is currently serving his second term as a representative. The minimum age to run for state representative is 21 years old.
Clark said his colleagues thought he was too young and should have more “life experience” before becoming a delegate.
“Sadly, ageism still exists, but we have to fight it by showing our true selves every day,” Clark said.
He said the government would work more “efficiently and effectively” when all voices were heard and represented, from legislation to the national budget to the appointment of judges.
“That means all ages, all demographics, all religions, religious groups, all genders, gender identities, all should be welcome,” Clark said.
According to Statista, the average age of politicians currently serving in Congress is just under 61 years old. The average age of the Virginia General Assembly is just under 54 years old, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project.
“There's nothing wrong with having that age group, but there's a problem when it's a particular group that clearly dominates the governing body,” Clark said.
The new class of state senators who took office in January are the youngest since 2008, with a median age of 54, according to VPAP. The median age of members of the House of Representatives has also trended younger since the most recent election, to a median age of 53.5.
According to VPAP, just over 25% of the population is between the ages of 21 and 34, but only 5.7% of state legislatures fall into that age group.
Clark's generation faces entirely new challenges, he said, especially when it comes to technology such as social media and artificial intelligence.
“If you don't grow in certain things, you don't get certain experiences,” Clark said. “We all have something to offer. Whether you’re a baby boomer, a millennial, or Gen Z, we all bring something to the table. I am bringing it to.”
Clark hopes to give young people the opportunity to experience the General Assembly, something they weren't able to experience in high school or junior high school. He invited more than 200 students from Hampton Roads area high schools to visit and learn about the legislative process and created a summer internship for young people.
“It allows young people to see things and experience things in different environments that they might not be used to,” Clark said. “We’re engaging them with their representatives.”
Clark's ties to the community made an impression on state Rep. Shelley Simmons, D-Newport News, who has served on the council since 2020.
“As a candidate, he always showed up at community forums and community events,” Simmons said.
Simmons said Clark's connection to the area and the younger generation influenced his bill.
Clark has worked on issues such as medical debt, teacher pay, rent control, water quality, microplastics, and climate change.
“He's really involved in what the future holds for his generation if we don't address climate change and sea level rise, especially in Hampton Roads,” Simmons said. “Sea level rise is a huge problem for us.”
Clark is beginning to make strides in Congress under the Democratic majority in the House.
He took office in 2022, when Republicans had just regained the House majority. He introduced 24 bills during his first term, most of which failed to pass out of committee. His bill to extend medical debt payment deadlines passed but was vetoed.
In the current Diet session, which marks the start of his second term, he has introduced 15 bills.
His six bills on medical debt, firearm safety, teacher pay, firefighter retirement and fentanyl awareness have passed the General Assembly and are awaiting signature from Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
A bill requiring firearm locking devices in homes with minors was recently vetoed by the governor.
“I think it's inspiring for young people to see someone like Nadarius come into power and make a difference and stand up for themselves and give speeches and say what they want to say.” said Simmons.
She hopes Mr. Clark's service will inspire young voters.
According to the center, university students are one of the largest voting groups, but they tend to have the lowest turnout in elections. Nearly 23% of Virginia voters ages 18 to 29 cast a ballot in the 2022 midterm elections, down 10.5 from 2018 turnout, according to the center. Covers information and research related to civic learning and engagement at Tufts University.
However, midterm turnout in 2022 was still higher than in 2014 for that age group.
According to Cain, when younger voters vote, they are more likely to get better representation.
“There is so much at stake for young voters – the future of our planet, good-paying jobs, reproductive freedom – and we need their voices to be heard so our country can create opportunities for all.” said Kane.
Capital News Service is a program of the Virginia Commonwealth University Robertson School of Media and Culture. Students in this program provide state government coverage to a variety of Virginia media outlets.
