Levar Stoney wins Richmond mayoral race after 9,000 absentee ballots counted

Levar M. Stoney formally declared victory in the Richmond mayoral race Wednesday evening following a close race with opponent Jack Berry in Tuesday’s elections. Stoney, who was projected to come in third in a race that came down to five candidates, clinched the required five of nine districts to win outright. Many had predicted a runoff between Stoney and Berry, but after more than 9,000 absentee ballots were tallied, Berry called to concede the race.

“While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, I know that Richmond will be in good hands,” Berry said in a statement Wednesday evening. “Richmond has elected a young, inspiring leader with a vision for the future and immense dedication to our schools and children. I congratulate Levar Stoney on his election as the next mayor of Richmond.  I wish him the very best and will be pulling for him and the city.”

By the numbers, Stoney won the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and  7th districts, capturing 33,423 votes–around 36%. Berry was behind 2,249 votes, polling at 34%.

“I’m all about bringing this city together,” Stoney said at a news conference, adding that he pledged to be “a voice for everyone…no matter who you are, no matter what neighborhood you live in, you have a voice at the table.”

Stoney’s campaign added that a transition team would soon begin making preparations for the transfer of power at City Hall.