The Democratic mayor of Richmond, Virginia, has his eye on the governor’s seat as he announced on Dec. 4 that he will be running for the office in 2025, ABC News reports.
Levar Stoney announced via X, formerly known as Twitter, that his campaign focuses on all Virginians having a fair shot at success.
“I’ve seen Virginia’s potential. It’s where a story like mine was possible. But today, success depends too much on your zip code,” Stoney wrote.
“I want to build a Virginia where EVERYONE has a fair shot. No matter where you live. That’s why I’m running to be your next Governor of Virginia.”
His story gives a delicate narration of taking a bite out of success. Stoney was the first member of his family to graduate from high school and college. This video was dedicated to his father, who passed away in 2011. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, his father died while working multiple low-paying jobs to pay for Stoney’s education.
His father’s dedication didn’t go in vain. After graduation, he started his career, serving as the first Black Secretary of the Commonwealth, and now, during his second term as the city’s mayor, he wants to focus on important issues facing the city— cleaning the city’s finances, improving the roads, reducing the poverty rate and providing affordable housing and new schools. Stoney touches on how his life inspired his desire to run.
“That’s why I’m running for governor. For families like mine that just need an opportunity. For kids like me who will thrive in school if they just get the right chance,” he said.
“And for parents like my dad who work multiple jobs and still struggle to live a secure, middle-class life.”
His campaign video also touches on some of the successes on his resume as mayor, including getting rid of things that don’t sit
well with residents or projects that don’t provide any economic value. There has been a twice-rejected proposal for a casino resort as well as the failed redevelopment of the Navy Hill downtown. Instead, Stoney focused on the values of the people of Richmond.“Right now, families across Virginia are struggling, just like mine did,” Stoney said.
“Kids aren’t getting the education they deserve, just because they live in the wrong ZIP code.”
“And we have a governor who is more worried about his own agenda that yours and more focused on taking away people’s rights than lifting them up.”
Stoney is set to battle with U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger for the party’s nomination; Spanberger is giving up a fourth term in Congress in hopes of potentially becoming the first woman to serve as governor.
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