Virginia: Danny Avula Poised To Make History As Richmond’s Next Mayor
RICHMOND, VA — Dr. Danny Avula is poised to make history in Richmond’s mayoral race, emerging as the likely winner among five candidates vying for the top city government position. If confirmed, Avula will become the first-ever immigrant and Asian mayor of Richmond, as well as the first non-Black mayor in over 20 years. The last white mayor was Senator Tim Kaine, who was appointed by City Council in 1998.
While the official results will not be confirmed until absentee and early votes are tallied, Avula’s path to victory became clearer by November 6 morning. By 11am, three of his opponents had conceded.
Avula, a Church Hill resident, pediatrician, and former commissioner of the Department of Social Services, had garnered 44,832 votes—46% of the total ballots cast—compared to the 24,798 votes (25%) for Michelle Mosby, his closest rival.
Avula addressed his supporters saying, “Whether or not you voted for me … I am going to be a mayor for all of the people of this great city.”
Dr.Avula has long been recognized for his contributions to public health and community service. He was named one of Richmond’s “Top Docs” annually from 2013 to 2022, was the Richmond Times-Dispatch Person of the Year in 2019, and was honored as Style Weekly’s Richmonder of the Year in 2020. Avula, appointed by VA governor Ralph Northam led the state during Virginia’s COVID vaccination campaign.
A father of five, Avula and his wife, Mary Kay, have lived in Richmond’s East End for two decades. She is a teacher in Richmond Public Schools, and their five children are students and alumni from the same school system.
Avula’s roots are deep in service. His father Raj grew up in rural India and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 19, serving in the U.S. Navy before working for the Department of Defense. His mother is Lalitha who brought him to the US when he was six months old.
Danny Avula followed in his father’s footsteps, earning a biology degree from UVA, attending medical school at VCU, and obtaining a graduate degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
He returned to Richmond to dedicate himself to public service.
