Jon Baliles at the Richmond Mayorathon (Photo by Jay Paul)
West End Councilman Jon Baliles on Wednesday afternoon dropped out of the Richmond mayoral race, citing the risk of a crowded field resulting in front-runner Joe Morrissey being the city's next mayor.
"I can no longer risk splitting votes with other candidates if it means electing someone who so plainly cares only about himself," Baliles wrote in a Facebook post announcing his decision to withdraw. "If there ever was a time we need collaborative people in City Hall to address our city’s problems, now is that time."
Baliles, who has represented the 1st District on Richmond City Council since 2013, called on his supporters not to vote for him on Nov. 8, even though his name will still appear on the ballot.
"It is understood that my supporters may still want to vote my name on the ballot next week to send a message about the type of mayor, and the type of accountability, in City Hall they demand," Baliles wrote. "I completely understand and respect that. But with humility and appreciation for your trust, I ask that you not cast a protest vote – because the stakes are too high and our city’s future is too valuable."
He also challenged the remaining candidates in the six-person field to follow his lead in order to prevent the possibility of a Morrissey mayoralty. "The only realistic way our city can ensure that we are moving forward on the morning of Nov. 9 is for other candidates to withdraw and consolidate. Not doing so could result in the outcome so many people fear," he wrote.
Over the last several months, polls have shown Baliles falling behind the leading candidates: former Venture Richmond executive Jack Berry, former Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Morrissey and former Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney. Baliles' sinking numbers have led some to call for him to drop out over the last several weeks.
Rich Meagher, a political science professor at Randolph-Macon College, said it's unclear who will pick up Baliles' supporters.
"I suppose it shores up Berry in the districts that he was already going to win in, and maybe that helps his overall vote total," Meagher says. "But Baliles was the guy who a lot of new Richmond liked. A lot of those folks, no matter their racial demographics, a lot of them are interested in Stoney as a second choice."
Bob Holsworth, a longtime observer of local politics, says Stoney is likely to attract more Baliles supporters than Berry will. “Both ideologically and in terms of their constituencies, I think that Stoney’s constituency mirrors Baliles' more than Berry’s does."
Both campaigns released statements praising Baliles after his announcement.
"We are at a pivotal point in the election with voters making their final decision about who they are going to vote for," Berry said in a statement. "[Baliles'] decision to withdraw from the race I'm sure was very difficult and shows immense character, leadership and strength. He is to be commended for putting the city first."
"Jon Baliles is a committed and passionate public servant. ... [Baliles] elevated the debate in this race and it has been an honor to run with him. I know he will continue to listen to needs of Richmonders and find ways to serve our city," Stoney said in a statement.
