Former health director Danny Avula has emerged as the unofficial victor in Richmond’s mayoral race, defeating four other candidates as six council districts cast their votes for him as of Wednesday.

“Thank you so much for putting your trust in me as the next mayor of our amazing city,” Avula said in a statement. “It’s going to take all of us, but together we will build a Richmond where everyone’s rights are protected, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and where no one gets left behind. Thank you, and let’s get to work.”

 Danny Avula’s supporters welcome him at The Broadberry to celebrate during his election night watch party.
 By Sandra Sellars  

Avula saw the greatest support among candidates in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th districts. Former City Council member and business owner Michelle Mosby came in second with the three remaining districts, followed by nonprofit founder Harrison Roday, City Council member Andreas Addison, and community activist and organizer Maurice Neblett.

“To the people of our great city, I want to express my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you who put your trust in me and my vision for our community,”

Mosby said in a statement conceding the race Wednesday. “I want to congratulate Danny Avula on a race well run. I will continue to be an active and engaged member of this community, and I look forward to doing what I can with Mayor-elect Avula to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our community.”

Mosby’s loss occurred despite endorsements from former Mayor Dwight Jones, Delegates Mike Jones and Delores McQuinn, former House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn and others.

The son of Indian immigrants who works as a pediatrician at Chippenham Hospital, Avula’s victory followed an exhaustive mayoral race where candidates from a range of backgrounds often shared similar concerns and solutions. Transparency, accountability and rebuilding city government were frequent focuses of their campaigns, often in response to controversies that emerged or intensified during the race.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Danny Avula on his victory, and I wish him success in leading our city,” Neblett said in a phone interview. “We want change ... all five of us want something good for the city of Richmond.”

Avula’s work in health and social services locally and statewide was a key part of his campaign messaging. He also emphasized his community connections, whether through his wife’s work as a Richmond Public Schools teacher or his years of living in the city.

Avula’s campaign priorities included a national search for a new chief administrative officer, a focused and equitable approach to tax relief, expanded support for RPS, and efforts to improve affordable housing. He also has discussed the need to elevate and preserve the histories and cultures of the city. 

Throughout the race, Avula faced occasional criticism on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights due to his personal beliefs or his work as director of the Virginia Department of Social Services for Gov. Glenn Youngkin, primarily from Roday.

“I wish Avula success in moving our city toward a more equitable future,” Roday said in a statement conceding the race and thanking his supporters. “Though the results aren’t what we had hoped for, I am immensely proud of the campaign we built together.”

In light of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election, Avula’s goals for the office may face additional challenges, a concern Addison raised in his concession statement.

“Richmond needs leaders who are ready to work together for our future, and I am prepared to support any efforts that strengthen our community,” Addison said. “But we must also acknowledge a chilling reality; the challenges our city faces will only be exacerbated once Trump takes office again.

“If we don’t come together to make Richmond a more welcoming and inclusive city, the next four years will hit our most vulnerable communities the hardest. We cannot succumb to fear and hatred. Richmond absolutely needs the best of us.”

Avula made a similar point Tuesday evening, as he, his family, and supporters watched the results during an election night watch party at the Broadberry.

“The next four years, hopefully, if all goes well, will bring a lot of new opportunities, but they’ll also bring a lot of new challenges,” Avula said. “Know that our love, our connection, and our shared sense of calling to the city and to serving Richmond is going to pull us through, and I’m really grateful for that.”