Jehmal T. Hudson appointed as first African-American on SCC
6/11/2020, 6 p.m.
Jehmal T. Hudson just made Virginia history.
The veteran of energy policy making is the first African-American named a judge on the powerful State Corporation Commission since its establishment 118 years ago to regulate businesses, energy companies, railroads, banks and insurance companies in the Commonwealth.
Gov. Ralph S. Northam tapped Mr. Hudson on Tuesday to fill a vacancy on the three-member commission after the General Assembly could not agree on a choice. The House of Delegates had backed Mr. Hudson, but the Senate had another candidate.
Mr. Hudson’s appointment is temporary and must be confirmed in the next session of the legislature in order for him to serve a full six-year term. Mr. Hudson An Arlington County resident, Mr. Hudson brings wide experience, including service most recently as the director of government affairs for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
He also is a past vice president of the National Hydropower Association and deputy policy director of the Congressional House Democratic Caucus. He was former chief counsel to U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clark of New York and was a law clerk for thenU.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
He earned a law degree from Vermont Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University.
“Jehmal Hudson is a remarkable leader, and I am pleased to name him to this important position,” Gov. Northam stated in announcing the selection.
Mr. Hudson said he is “honored to join the commission and its staff.”
