Danny Avula

Education: University of Virginia - B.A.; Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine - M.D.; Johns Hopkins School of Public Health- master’s in public health

Occupation: Pediatrician, Public Health Executive Leader. Top 2 civic/community activities: Trustee for Richmond Memorial Health Foundation Board for nine

years, board chair for two years; founding President and board chair of the Richmond Henrico Public Health Foundation

Email: campaign@dannyformayor.com

Website: dannyformayor.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for the Mayor’s Office?

I seek the support of voters who want a healthy and thriving city where no one gets left behind. I am the only candidate who has proven executive experience at a government agency comparable to the size of Richmond City. After leading the local health district for over a decade, I was appointed by Gov. Northam to lead the COVID-19 vaccination effort, bringing Virginaia from 50th in the country into the top 10 most vaccinated states. I have lived here over 20 years, I love Richmond and I know how to get things done in local government.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Systemic racial inequities and poor financial management are holding Richmond back. To tackle racial inequity, I will invest in affordable housing, public education, public transit and expanding economic opportunities to all — be it a living wage job or owning a small business.

I also will invest in updated financial systems and improving all aspects of city operations, to rebuild trust in City Hall. We don’t need to choose between racial equity and good government — in fact, we can’t have one without the other. As mayor, I won’t rest until Richmond is a healthy and thriving city for everyone.

How do you plan to address these issues as mayor?

One of the strengths of our city has been developing high quality plans.

The next mayor of Richmond must have the executive leadership experience to build an organization with the culture, capacity, and resources required to fully execute these plans, and I will bring that experience to this role.

I have spent 15 years leading complex governmental organizations, building effective teams, changing culture, and managing through crisis.

My website, dannyformayor.com, has more on how my administration will create a more effective and accountable City Hall, address the affordable housing crisis and increase investment in public education.

Michelle Mosby

Education: Virginia Union University

Occupation: Small Business Owner, Realtor, Nonprofit Founder.

Top civic/community activity: Non-profit founder of Help Me Help You Foundation

Email: friendsofmichellemosby@gmail.com

Website: mosbyrva.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for the Mayor’s Office?

As a proud Richmond native and the first Black woman elected President of the Richmond City Council, I’ve demonstrated a strong record of leadership and tangible results. Under my tenure, we built new schools, revitalized the riverfront, expanded the port and launched bus rapid transit — all while maintaining a budget surplus.

I also founded a nonprofit supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them reintegrate and thrive.

As a business owner, I understand Richmond’s economic challenges and see vast opportunities for growth. I’m running for mayor to deliver essential services, drive economic development, address housing affordability and enhance public safety across our neighborhoods.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Richmond is facing a housing crisis, and residents regularly tell me that affordability is a top concern. Too many are being priced out of rapidly changing neighborhoods, and we must act swiftly to create diverse housing options that meet the needs of both young professionals and older residents.

However, housing alone won’t solve our challenges. Rising gun violence and crime are threatening the safety of many neighborhoods. Rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the community is crucial. We need to bridge the divide that has widened in recent years and work together to ensure every neighborhood feels safe and supported.

How do you plan to address these issues as mayor?

We must prioritize implementing the Richmond 300 plan to rezone parcels, fostering the development of denser, more affordable housing throughout the city. Streamlining the permitting process is essential to accelerate housing availability and help control costs. Continued investment in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Maggie Walker Community Land Trust is crucial to ensuring long-term affordability and equity.

On public safety, filling the 180 vacancies in the Richmond Police Department is vital, with a focus on recruiting community-oriented officers committed to building trust. Additionally, increasing support for Community Violence Intervention programs will address the root causes of violence and promote safer neighborhoods.

Maurice Neblett

Education: Virginia Union University, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Occupation: Business Owner/Entrepreneur.

Top 2 civic/community activities:

Community organizer, Board of Direc-

tors local Federal Credit Union

Email: connect@mauriceneblett.com

Website: mauriceneblett.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for the Mayor’s Office?

I’m the underdog in this race, just like many Richmonders who’ve had to fight for everything they’ve got.

I know what it’s like to face hardship, and that’s why I’m committed to making sure this city works for everyone, not just the few. I’ve spent my life helping local families and businesses overcome challenges with simple solutions to complex problems.

I believe Richmond needs a mayor who truly understands the struggles of everyday people. I’m running to bring real change, focusing on affordable housing, better jobs and a safer city for every neighborhood.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Two big issues I see in Richmond are true affordable housing and the lack of good job opportunities. Too many Richmond residents are being priced out of their homes, feeling penniless and powerless, and families are forced to make impossible decisions every day. These challenges aren’t just statistics, they are real-life struggles.

We need to ensure Richmond residents can afford to live here and have access to stable jobs that allow them to build a future for themselves and their families.

How do you plan to address these issues as mayor?

As mayor, I’ll push for more affordable housing options to keep people in their homes without being priced out. I’ll collaborate with the Economic Development Department to attract tech companies and businesses that pay median or higher salaries, creating stable job opportunities for residents.

I’ll also expand partnerships with the Richmond Technical Center to offer certifications and trade programs, so students can enter the workforce right after graduation. By working with local companies to create a viable curriculum, we’ll ensure Richmond residents are prepared for good paying jobs in growing industries. This will help build a stronger, more affordable future for all.

 

Harrison Roday

 Education: B.A. in government and finance with accounting concentration from the College of William & Mary

Occupation: Founder of the non-profit Bridging Virginia.

Top 2 Civic/community activities: Founder of Bridging Virginia, a non-profit that helps small Black and woman-owned businesses obtain access to capital board member and former chair of the board of Foodshed Capital, a non-profit that extends low-interest loans to small farms, including zero-percent interest loans to Black-owned farms.

Email: contact@rodayforrichmond.com

Website: rodayforrichmond.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for the Mayor’s Office?

I’m a proven Democrat with the values and experience to hit the ground running on day one. I started my career working for President Obama and Sen. Kaine, so I know the importance of having leaders who truly listen to people and advocate for them. During the height of COVID-19, I started Bridging Virginia, a non-profit that supports small, Black- and woman-owned businesses getting access to capital, because everyone deserves a fair shot. We’ve extended over $1 million in low-interest loans to area businesses. That’s the type of problem-solving and investment that I’ll bring to Richmond as mayor.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Too many Richmonders are struggling to stay in their homes due to rising rents and property taxes. As mayor, I will invest $100 million in affordable housing. I have also endorsed Mayor Levar Stoney’s RVA Stay Plan, which will provide targeted financial relief to both renters and homeowners.

We must end gun violence in Richmond. The Richmond Free Press published my plan to take on gun violence, which includes establishing a Mayor’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. I am a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense candidate and will stand up to Gov. Youngkin, who has vetoed common sense gun safety legislation.

How do you plan to address these issues as mayor?

We will solve the city’s problems by partnering directly with the city’s workers, community leaders and the people of Richmond. Our campaign has been endorsed by a broad coalition that makes up our Democratic Party. They include the Richmond Education Association, which represents more than 1,200 public schoolteachers and support staff; the front line City workers represented by SEIU and the Teamsters; the civil rights leaders of Richmond Crusade for Voters; and New Virginia Majority, who builds power in working-class communities of color. Together, we can tackle every challenge and build a city that works for everyone.

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Richmond City Council candidates

 

 Andrew 'Gumby' Breton

District: 1st District

Education: Bachelor’s in system engineering, University of Virginia; master’s in applied economics, Duke University

Occupation: Financial data engineer

Top 2 civic/community activities: Previous chair, Richmond City Democratic Committee and Mary Munford Elementary School PTA

Email: info@bretonforrichmond.com

Website: bretonforrichmond.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for City Council?

I am offering experience, relationships and vision. Before I ran for council, my plan was to work with our Richmond House Delegation on coordinating Richmond’s regional requests for the General Assembly. These are things like equitable school funding, sewer system improvement funds, or regional housing efforts. On council, I will be even better positioned to do this. I’ve been building relationships with other council members and our House Delegation for years, and this will be vital for finding solutions for Richmond together.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Affordability and city management. First District residents are strained by years of rising home prices and assessments. They are paying much more in taxes and do not feel that they are seeing a commensurate improvement in services. I intend to take Richmond to the next level, with walkable neighborhoods, well-funded schools, and a vibrant Downtown, all of which is downstream from good management. We have years of audits and inspector general reports prescribing the investments necessary to modernize and improve our processes so that our money is spent effectively.

How do you plan to address these issues on City Council?

Our next mayor must invest in new technology, training and transparency, and we on council must prioritize those investments in the budget. I also expect us on council to do the work of administrative oversight by asking the right questions, before lawyers and journalists are forced to do so.

We need to attack housing affordability on multiple levels, including zoning reform and tax reform. For deeply affordable units we must invest in land trusts and project-based vouchers, direct subsidies, tax rebates and simpler city approval processes.

 

District: 3rd District

Education: VCU, bachelor’s in fine arts, minor in psychology

Occupation: Fractional HR consultant, Augmenti Consulting, LLC.

Top 2 civic/community activities: Current vice president Battery Park Civic Association, past president, secretary and founding member of Northside Strong.

Email: MariaCarraRose@gmail.com

Website: carraforcouncil.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for City Council?

Richmond is at a pivotal point, being recognized as a top tier city, and with the influx of people coming into this community from Northern Virginia, and Hampton Roads we need collective leadership that will ensure that the roots of the community are upheld as well as seeing a vision that will help guide the city as we grow. I have been a member of this community for a quarter century, while I may be seen as a ‘come here’ by some, I am a lifelong Virginian who knows what community engagement is by living and breathing it.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

People are sincerely concerned about being able to obtain housing, keep the housing that they have, and ensure that they can stay in their homes as they enter retirement. I want to ensure that all of our cherished community members who have so much to give to future generations are given the comfort of remaining in their homes.

The second concern that is top of mind is safety. This comes in many forms, depending on what part of the community you reside within. Some are concerned with our lack of resource officers, needing policing is top of mind. To ensure that they are safe and secure in their homes. Safety for others looks like infrastructure and transportation.

How do you plan to address these issues on City Council?

I want to create a community dialogue that will go beyond the bounds of typical candidate/constituent back and forth, to ensure that the issues that I am hearing about are addressed and resolved. I want to create a space where people feel heard. I want to show up in the community, for community and with community to develop a relationship that is designated by the people who live, work and thrive there. I believe in the power of community engagement to direct how I will yield the power vested in me by the people.

  Sarah Arubaker

 

District: 4th District

Education: James Madison University, bachelor’s of political science, Virginia Commonwealth University, master’s in public administration

Occupation: Director of strategic communications, Collegiate School

Top 2 civic/community activities: Vice chair, Richmond Performing Arts Alliance and Forest Hill Neighborhood Association

Email: 4thdistrict@sarahabubaker.com

Website: sarahabubaker.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for City Council?

Voters should support me because I bring 17 years of experience as a dedicated community advocate and leader. As a former president of the Westover Hills Neighborhood Association, I have a proven track record of fostering resident engagement, supporting local businesses and strengthening neighborhood schools.

I am committed to addressing housing affordability, fixing critical infrastructure, and collaborating with my colleagues on council and with the mayor, to create effective solutions. With a background in public administration and experience managing teams, and will aim to bring transparency, accountability, and innovative thinking to City Hall. I am a lifelong resident and mother who is deeply invested in Richmond’s future and is ready to listen and advocate for the needs of all residents.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

My top priority is to ensure that our city’s necessary growth doesn’t leave behind lifelong residents. I aim to build affordable housing while protecting against speculative developers who buy middle-income properties only to turn them into high-end housing. By focusing on affordable, community-centered growth, we can maintain our neighborhoods’ character and ensure everyone can continue to live here.

Another top priority is addressing our infrastructure needs. Recent events, like the catastrophic sewer line collapse along the Forest Hill corridor, highlight the urgency. We must invest in aging critical systems like sewer and water management to protect our environment. Additionally, I advocate for projects that positively impact residents’ daily lives—improved walkability with new sidewalks, bike lanes, and traffic calming measures.

How do you plan to address these issues on City Council?

To address these priorities on a city level, I plan to advocate for policies that limit speculative development and promote affordable housing. This includes implementing stronger regulations on teardowns and offering incentives for preserving existing homes. I’ll work to encourage developments that provide a mix of housing options for all income levels, ensuring lifelong residents can remain in their communities.

For our infrastructure needs, I will push for investments to upgrade aging sewer and water systems. Additionally, I’ll prioritize projects that improve daily life — expanding sidewalks, adding bike lanes, and introducing traffic calming measures. By collaborating with city officials and stakeholders, we’ll create a modern, accessible city for all residents.

  Willie Hilliard

District: 6th district

Education: Norfolk State University

Occupation: Barber

Top 2 civic/community activities: Executive director of the Historic Brookland Park Collective and CEO of the Northside Food Access Coalition.

Email: willie@williehilliard.com

Website: williehilliard.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for City Council?

I am a native of the City, doing community engagement for nearly 20 years. I know what the people of Richmond need because I have been a worker, a renter, a parent and a community leader. And what we need is for government to work for us and not big business.

I have a solutions-driven approach to community engagement which has allowed me to help so many people in this city. I want to bring that approach to City Hall and actually do the work of serving the people.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Housing and public safety. Housing should be considered a right and not a privilege, yet with so few affordable options, our city leaders continue to prioritize pushing uneven and inequitable developments through.

As I’ve been out talking to voters around the 6th District, one common theme I keep hearing is a concern about public safety, and it’s absolutely true that too many people in the district and many other areas of Richmond are at risk of being harmed or killed, whether that’s by something like the historically-elevated rate of traffic violence or by being the victim of a crime.

How do you plan to address these issues on City Council?

I think to meet the city’s housing goals and fight displacement of existing communities we should encourage more medium-density housing developments instead of top-down “mega” projects, and believe that wealthy neighborhoods should not be exempted from this trend.

First, we need to make changes to our infrastructure to passively reduce threats to public safety. For example, if we want people to feel and be safer walking around when it’s dark, we should be installing more lighting in more areas.

Second, we need better and more community-oriented policing focused largely on preventing and solving serious crimes.

 
Eric Sundberg

District: District 7

Education: Bachelor’s in history (University of Mary Washington), candidate for master’s of urban and regional planning (Virginia Commonwealth University)

Occupation: Chief of staff in the Virginia House of Delegates

Top 2 civic/community activities: Assisting working people with finances, life-planning, health care, housing and food insecurity. Assisting organizations in drafting and lobbying for legislation in all levels of government to better their materials conditions, protect their freedoms and correct injustices.

Email: eric@votesundberg.com

Website: votesundberg.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for City Council?

Voters should support our campaign because I bring a fresh, solutions-oriented perspective. I’ve spent years advocating for affordable housing, sustainability and inclusive city planning. Our campaign focuses on putting people above profit, ensuring all voices are heard, and delivering on promises that improve the daily lives of residents. Together, we will put power in the hands of everyday working people, improve city services and build a city that works for all.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Affordable housing and economic inequality. The housing crisis is displacing long-time residents and driving up costs across the city. At the same time, we see a lack of equitable investment in job opportunities and local businesses, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. We need to use the tools of government to shift power to working people — to unions, to civic groups, to residents — pulling back the curtain on quid pro quo contributions and arcane approval processes.

How do you plan to address these issues on City Council?

I will champion policies prioritizing truly affordable housing such as form-based zoning, ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and rent caps. I’ll push to enforce stronger tenant protections. I’ll push to invest more in community land trusts. To tackle economic inequality, I’ll advocate for expanding wealth by lowering the barrier to entry for small businesses and co-ops.

Additionally, I’ll introduce legislation to create a trust for all residents, offering micro-loans to promote home improvements, building repairs, home-buying and foreclosure and eviction avoidance. Saving just a small percentage of our annual tax revenue, we can create a safety net with our own wealth.

 
Reva Trammell

District: 8th District

Education: High school graduate
Occupation: Current 8th District council representative

Top 2 civic/community activities: Member of the Richmond Crusade for Voters and the Richmond City Democratic Committee.

Email: Revatrammell8@gmail.com

Website: Revatrammell.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for Richmond City Council?

I know the citizens in the 8th District and what they want, as I have fought for them for many years and continue to do so. There has been so much development going on in our district – including affordable housing. Currently, there are five more projects being developed and we are fighting for even more. I would also like to have a coliseum built at the site where the casino was to be built.

This would be a magnet to bring hotels, restaurants, grocery stores and jobs for the citizens.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Taxes are too high and forcing people to face eviction. With rising assessments every year that are out of control we cannot continue to expect the citizens to pay these outrageous amounts.

Infrastructure upgrades are needed in the City of Richmond. As of 2023 only 56% of roads in the city were considered “good.” We also need sidewalks fixed due to growing trees, chipped curbs and sharp cut-off sidewalks. There are parts of the city that do not even have sidewalks or crosswalks, especially in the 8th and 9th districts. These need to be installed. Flooding due to stormwater drainage has also been a constant issue in the South Side.

How do you plan to address these issues on City Council?

I have introduced an ordinance to my fellow members of City Council to reduce the real estate tax rate from $1.20 down to $1.16 per $100 of each individual’s assessment. This is a great start to help our citizens with tax relief. There are two other council members who are co-Patrons on this alongside me.

I am working very hard to get this passed for the citizens of Richmond.

Currently, the city has a $16 million surplus, part of which can be used to fix these infrastructure issues. I also plan to introduce an increase in the city’s budget to address this.

  Frank H. Wilson Jr.

District: 8th District

Education: Bachelor’s from Rice University and masters from Liberty University.

Occupation: Prior to announcing my candidacy I was working for the Supreme Court of Virginia as a magistrate.

Top 2 civic/community activities: Active participant in the Oak Grove Civic Association for years currently serving as the vice-president. Involved with the greening and beautification of the district by participating in many tree planting/give away activities, neighborhood cleanups, and the planting of several gardens in the district.

Email: frankwilson4rvadistrict8@gmail.com

Website: frankwilson4rvadistrict8.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for Richmond City Council?

First and foremost, I care about people and this is the main reason I am running for City Council. I will affect changes that make a real difference in residents lives and not try to force-feed them things they are not asking for.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

There are about seven top issues residents of the 8th District voice. The two that likely have the biggest financial impact are housing and food insecurity. Citywide would be accountability of city government to citizens and transparency.

How do you plan to address these issues on City Council?

I plan to put the levers of government back in the hands of the people. This will be done by giving attention to priorities important to Richmonders so that things get done that addresses their priorities and make a difference in their lives. It is not feasible to expect that all the city’s needs are to be met on the backs of the taxpayers.

So, I will seek out and partner with other branches of government, nonprofits, businesses etc. to address these issues.

  Nicole Jones

District: 9th District

Education: Strayer University, Bachelor’s business administration

Occupation: Deputy director at ART180

Top 2 civic/community activities: My top Civic/Community engaged activities are serving on the School Board and City Council. In the community I am a board member of Mending Walls and Drums No Guns Foundation, where I support art as a tool for social justice and healing.

Email: info@nicolejonesrva.com

Website: nicolejonesrva.com

Why should voters support you as a candidate for City Council?

I am an elected official who believes cultivating and developing relationships with my constituents and beyond. I bring deep experience as a community organizer, business strategist and advocate for community and restorative justice.

I use a community-based approach, and grassroots organizing. My commitment to equity, transparency, and accountability ensures every voice is heard. With a proven record of problem-solving and building partnerships, I will work to strengthen our neighborhoods, enhance economic opportunities and champion policies that uplift all residents, especially the most vulnerable.

What do you see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond?

Affordable housing and economic inequality. Rising housing costs are displacing long-term residents and straining families, requiring policies that expand affordable housing options and protect renters. Economic inequality continues to limit opportunities for many Richmonders, especially in underserved communities, necessitating investment in job creation, education and equitable development. By addressing these issues, we can build a more inclusive and thriving city for all.

How do you plan to address these issues on City Council?

To address affordable housing, I will advocate for policies that expand the development of affordable units, support renters’ rights and promote programs that assist first-time homebuyers. I will push for incentives to encourage developers to include affordable housing in new projects and work to strengthen eviction protections.

For economic inequality, I plan to support initiatives that create job opportunities, especially in underserved communities, by investing in workforce development and small business support. I also will prioritize equitable funding for education and advocate for increased access to quality child care, healthcare and resources that enable economic mobility for all Richmond.

Richmond School Board candidates

  Katie B. Ricard

 

District: 2nd district

Education: B.A. in History, B.S. in social studies education, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

Occupation: Director of youth ministry

Top 2 civic/community activities: Little Hands of Virginia and Sports Backers

Email: katie@katie4rva.com

Website: katie4rva.com

Why should voters support me as a candidate for School Board?

I have a background in public education and, as an RPS parent, care deeply about the success of Richmond Public Schools. During my time as a teacher and assistant principal, I focused on equitable outcomes for my students: meeting them where they were and taking them where they needed to go. The well-being and success of students have always been the focus of my professional career.

Over the last four years, conflict on the School Board hasn’t kept our students at the forefront. I believe my work experiences, positive nature and thoughtful presence can contribute to a more collaborative school board that will enable RPS to thrive.

What do I see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond Schools?

Teacher retention: Our students succeed when our schools are fully staffed with licensed teaching professionals. I will advocate for faster paths to licensure and explore new avenues for teacher recruitment while also ensuring that our mentoring/new teacher programs support our new hires. 

Physical state of our school buildings: Our school buildings need to be safe for our students and teachers. We must commit to building improvements and stop deferring maintenance of our schools. The failure to upkeep schools not only poses a health and safety risk but serves as a constant reminder to students and teachers that their learning environment is not a priority.

  Mariah White

District: District 2

Education: Virginia Commonwealth University, Strayer University

Occupation: Federal Government Employee and School Board Member

Top 2 civic/community activities: Carver Area Civic Improvement League Member and Historic Jackson Ward Association Member.

Email: info@vote4mariah.com

Website: voteformariah.com

Why should voters support me as a candidate for School Board?

I am dedicated to enhancing education in Richmond Schools by prioritizing our students. My track record includes championing an Enhanced Literacy Initiative for third through fifth-graders, introducing hands-on learning assignments, and establishing robust mental health strategies. I will empower special education students through inclusive transition programs and personalized success plans tailored to their strengths. I have championed school safety, secured $15 million to rebuild and revitalize William Fox Elementary School and supported diverse graduation pathways. By strengthening community partnerships and promoting equity, I ensure every student has the resources they need to thrive. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children.

What do I see as the top 2 issues facing Richmond Schools?

First, addressing disparities in resources and opportunities is essential to ensure that every student, regardless of background, receives a high-quality education.

This includes equitable access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities and technology. Second, the growing need for mental health resources is critical. Many students face significant challenges that impact their well-being and academic performance. Implementing comprehensive mental health strategies, including counseling services and training for staff, will create a supportive environment that fosters resilience and success for all students.

  Ali M. Faruk