Richmond mayoral candidate Levar Stoney (Provided photo)
The Richmond City Democratic Committee on Thursday night endorsed former Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney for Richmond mayor.
About 110 of the organization’s 150-plus members cast votes. Stoney was the overwhelming favorite, earning a “supermajority,” said James “J.J.” Minor, the committee’s chairman.
“When we win this in November, I want you all to know I’m not just going to be the mayor of the city, but a party leader,” Stoney said, adding that he would ensure Richmonders who “lack a voice” will have a say in the city’s future.
The committee’s vote of confidence in Stoney comes on the heels of a Tuesday forum that saw Joe Morrissey, a former commonwealth’s attorney and state delegate, accuse Minor and the committee of fixing the endorsement proceedings.
Each member who attended Thursday’s meeting and was deemed “in good standing” with the committee was eligible to cast a vote for one of the eight candidates certified to appear on the November ballot. Members could also vote for the committee not to endorse anyone. Minor, who had publicly endorsed Stoney during the summer, recused himself for the duration of the process.
The RCDC endorsement is another feather in Stoney’s cap. In August, he also received backing from the Homebuilders Association of Richmond and the arm of an international labor union.
