In January, Dr. Danny Avula will make history as the first immigrant to serve as mayor of Virginia’s capital. Avula clinched the Richmond mayoral race by winning six of the city’s nine districts, showcasing strong, widespread support. His decisive lead across key areas placed him far ahead of former city councilor Michelle Mosby, who maintained a strong base in a few districts but couldn’t match Avula’s citywide appeal.
District Breakdown
Avula’s support covered most of the city, with his best numbers coming from District 1, where he pulled in 8,451 votes compared to Mosby’s 1,296. He kept up this momentum in Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7, each time holding a significant lead. Mosby, on the other hand, saw her strongest results in Districts 6, 8, and 9, especially in District 9, where she received 3,458 votes. Her support in these areas shows her connection to particular communities in Richmond.
The other three candidates—City Councilor Andreas Addison, investor Harrison Roday, and community organizer Maurice Neblett—didn’t manage to win any districts. Among them, Roday made the most notable impact in District 4 with 2,085 votes, but it wasn’t enough to tip the scales in his favor. Addison and Neblett ended up with even less traction, far behind the two frontrunners.
Complete Reporting and Confidence in Results
With all precincts reporting fully, Richmond got a clear picture of how the votes shook out across the city. Early voting was also fully counted, adding to the transparency of Avula’s win. For instance, District 4 saw 6,505 early votes included in the final tally, reinforcing Avula’s lead. This full reporting gave Richmonders confidence in the results, knowing every vote was accounted for.
Mosby’s Strongholds and Changing Demographics in Richmond
While Avula appealed broadly across Richmond, Mosby’s strongest support came from majority-Black districts, including Districts 6, 8, and 9. Her popularity in these areas points to a loyal base that values her deep ties to the community. Despite her local strength, the city’s broader support for Avula signals a shift in Richmond’s political landscape, with voters looking for fresh leadership.
Looking Forward with Avula
With this win, Avula steps into office with a clear mandate and high expectations. His campaign promises focused on reshaping city government, supporting public schools, and investing in affordable housing. His wide appeal across different communities shows a strong desire for an effective, proactive city government.
As Avula gets ready to take office, locals are eager to see how he’ll address the key issues he campaigned on. With both early and election-day votes backing him, Avula enters the role with a clear message from the people: it’s time for a new approach.
