By: Maria Paula
In addition to voting in the presidential elections, Virginians also exercised their democratic right in the just concluded 2024 general elections and voted for mayors in Richmond, Alexandria, Hampton, Fairfax, Manassas, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
This report brings to light  how the elected mayors won their races and the issues they believe drew voters to them.  Some mayors are elected at large to three or four-year terms.

1. Richmond
Dr. Danny Avula secured 46% of the overall vote and won in six out of the city’s nine districts. 
His election is viewed as a result of the campaign priorities in:
·         Inclusion through justice and equity of all the people of Richmond, especially the less privileged and marginalized

·         Protection of rights and freedoms regardless of color, age, gender or social status

·         His track record in community service and leadership in public organizations

·         More support for Richmond Public Schools

·         Investment for improvement in affordable housing in the city

·         Leveraging federal tax credits to create more mixed-income housing

·         The need to elevate and preserve the histories and cultures of the city

·         Increasing transparency in the Police Department 


“Friends, there are still so many challenges ahead of us, but we are in this together. Realizing this vision for Richmond, our vision, is going to take all of us working in unison. We aren’t running away from our difficult past or from hard conversations. We know the only way forward is together — in full honesty, with deep dedication and courage, and embracing the innovation and creativity that our amazing people and partners have to offer,” said Dr.  Avula in a campaign update.
Avula, a pediatrician and former director of the Richmond and Henrico health districts, has lived in Richmond’s East End for 20 years and assumes office in January 2025.

2. Hampton 
Jimmy Gray, vice Mayor of Hampton, clinched the mayor seat with a 70% win to take over from his current boss outgoing Mayor Donnie Tuck against his opponent, Richelle Wallace, who received 29.3% of the vote.
Gray’s priorities include:
·         His experience in the local government and council

·         The mayor elects track record in the city

·         Promises to support local businesses, especially in tourism

·         Investment in the city’s public safety

·         Making resources available to support the youth in the community

·         Security enhancement in Hampton

·         Implementation of better pay plans for city employees

·         Housing expansion and new residential development

·         Improvement of public schools

·         Resiliency projects for the protection of locals against flooding

·         Reduction of income tax for positive impact on property values

Gray has said he wants to support local businesses and build on the city’s investments in public safety and will work to provide more resources to support youth in the community.

Hampton recently signed an agreement with the Army Corp of Engineers to conduct the Virginia Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, which will examine federal interest in supporting projects in Hampton, such as elevating buildings, wetland restoration and tide gates and floodwalls to help manage the risk of storm damage. 

“I look forward to the study’s recommendations so that we can continue to develop plans and implement projects that will protect our community,” said Gray. “The city needs short-term rentals to provide additional lodging options to support tourism. Tourism in the city stimulates economic growth, creates quality job opportunities, and inspires new businesses. To that end, when people visit the city for conventions, entertainment, competitive sports, and vacations, Hampton would ideally like to retain 100 per cent of the tourism dollars to support the economy. However, their current hotel stock is not sufficient to accomplish this goal, so additional lodging options are needed.”

3. Fairfax
Incumbent Catherine Read managed a win over Susan Hartley in the mayor’s race at Fairfax city.  
According to Read’s campaign website, her priorities include continuing to work to make housing attainable for everyone, advocating for policies that expand the availability of housing, using the example of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Mayor Read’s vision for Fairfax includes:
To make housing in Fairfax attainable for all considering service personnel like firefighters, teachers, police and other essential service providers
-Enact sustainable environmental practices by investing in green infrastructure, renewable energy initiatives, and public transit and bike lanes
– In safety and security for all, combat gun violence, support first responders, and general traffic safety
Strategic economic development by supporting local businesses, workforce development, and advocate for workforce protection for Fairfax workers
– Promoting community engagement and equity for all in the city 
Climate change is another issue of importance to Read. She said she wants to keep investing in CUE buses, make areas more walkable, and continue to develop more bike lanes and bike-share stations to reduce the use of cars. 
Additionally, Read said gun violence prevention, traffic safety, first responder recruitment and retention efforts, and programs to support small businesses, especially those owned by women and minorities, are priorities.


4. Manassas
Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger secured a second term in the office . Davis-Younger, a Democrat, managed a decisive victory of 56.91% votes, defeating Republican challenger Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom at 42.75%.
From Davis-Younger campaign page Michelle4Mannasas.com, the mayor wooed residents on a platform of:
Building Smart City Infrastructure through technology by expanding public Wi-Fi, digitizing government services, and use of Internet on Things, IoT
– Investing in Tech-Based Economic Development by supporting small businesses and offering incentives for businesses that bring innovative tech solutions to the city
– Fostering sustainable economic development that benefits all residents
– addressing the housing needs of a growing population while maintaining the charm of Manassas
Strengthening Mental Health Services & Support
– Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability through Green Initiatives  
“As Mayor of the City of Manassas, my vision is to foster a city where innovation, growth, and community wellbeing thrive hand in hand. I am committed to building a Manassas where every resident, family, and business flourish in a vibrant and inclusive environment,” said Mayor Davis-Young.
5. Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, incumbent Mayor Richard West managed to retain his position with a 56% victory against Don Carey at 44% according to information from the Virginia Department of Elections.
“I am so grateful to the citizens of Chesapeake for trusting me with their city once again. I ran on a platform of loving Chesapeake and wanted it to be the best city in the Commonwealth, and that’s just what I will strive for over the next four years. I will continue to fight to keep our economy booming, our schools’ first class, and our communities safe. I look forward to serving with our new city council members to make Chesapeake the best place to live, work, farm, and play!” West told the press. (13News Now)
Mayor Wests campaign pillars during the run to the just concluded elections in office were:
To build on the exceptional reputation, the Chesapeake Public School System  
Public safety in Chesapeake involving the sheriff’s department, police department, and fire department
Economic development and responsible growth
Leadership and service
-Civility in America
6. Norfolk
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander was reelected against two other contenders for the city boss position. The two-term incumbent Alexander led with 59% of the vote.
“My background, my leadership, my experience, and my vision are the right combination of skillsets to continue to lead Norfolk forward,” Alexander told 13News Now.
Top on Mayor Alexanders’ concerns for the city coupled with an aim for continuity of incomplete work in the next term are:
– Public safety for a further downward trend in the city (Police data show that Norfolk experienced a 28% drop in violent crimes in 2023)
– Progress and Constuction of the city’s casino project
To address poverty and diversify Norfolk’s local economy
– Traffic safety for roads impacted by heavy freight and container traffic 


Mayor Alexander has served the state of Virginia in different capacities from the House