Mayor Stoney claims victory, Councilwoman Gray concedes in Richmond mayoral race as unofficial results show widening lead

Incumbent mayor Levar Stoney claimed victory in his bid for reelection Wednesday during a news conference. With just over 100,000 ballots counted, unofficial results show Stoney taking six of nine council districts – more than the five needed to secure a win and avoid a runoff with the second runner up. Right now, Councilwoman Kimberly Gray and Alexsis Rodgers are neck and neck for second place with approximately 26% of the vote each.

Stoney currently leads the popular vote by about 32,000 ballots with 38% of the vote, winning Districts 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Results may not be certified until early next week, according to the city registrar.

Stoney declared victory in a tweet thanking supporters on Wednesday, while Gray gave a concession-type statement via test message to VPM reporter Roberto Roldan. Rodgers, meanwhile, refused to concede, citing thousands of ballots that still need to be counted.

Thank you, Richmond! pic.twitter.com/hymSgEr6E2

— Levar M. Stoney (@LevarStoney) November 5, 2020

A statement from Councilwoman Kim Gray on the unofficial election results showing she has lost her challenge to Mayor Levar Stoney. Gray says she remains committed to improving Richmond. @myVPM pic.twitter.com/3sKBQFmhIL

— Roberto Roldan (@ByRobertoR) November 4, 2020

Waiting is hard, but our democracy is so worth it y'all. Richmonders deserve the confidence that every vote is counted in the mayor's race.

While votes are still being counted, one thing is clear – Richmond is hungry for change.

— Alexsis Rodgers (@aerodgers) November 4, 2020