Richmond City Councilman Andreas D. Addison launched his campaign for mayor Wednesday morning, touting his experience in politics, business and the community as a boon for the city’s future leadership.

“For over 15 years, I have served the City of Richmond both in City Hall and on Council, and over that time, I have seen firsthand the challenges that impede our ability to serve our residents effectively,” Mr. Addison said.

“We have so much potential to solve these issues, especially in City Hall, but it’s going to take strong, focused leadership.”

Mr. Addison, who has represented Richmond’s 1st District since 2017 after eight years of working at Richmond City Hall, also owns and manages Pure Fitness in Scott’s Addition, and is an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia.

This range of responsibilities, his vision for the office of mayor, and a political career that included a $10 million investment into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, fare-free bus transit and a resident-led budgeting commission were a major part of Mr. Addison’s announcement for his mayoral campaign.

“We need more than promises,” Mr. Addison said. “We need a leader committed to doing the hard work, implementing progressive policies to move us forward, governing for the sustainable growth of Richmond, focusing on meeting the basic needs of residents, and preventing displacement.”

Mr. Addison joins a growing field of candidates seeking to succeed Mayor Levar M. Stoney, including former 9th District representative and Council President Michelle Mosby, former 3rd District council representative Chris Hilbert, and community members Maurice Neblett and Garrett Sawyer.

A launch event for Mr. Addison’s campaign will feature more details on his policy priorities, and is planned in the coming weeks.