RICHMOND, Va. -- Alexsis Rodgers became the fourth candidate to enter Richmond's mayoral race Saturday.
The city resident and civic leader says the past week has "shown a lack of true leadership in Richmond."
Rodgers said she wants to work towards making Richmond a city that works for everyone, not just "the elite few."
Mayor Levar Stoney is running for re-election in November. Richmond City Councilwoman Kim Gray, Tracey McLean and Justin Griffin are hoping to unseat him.
Rodgers released the following statement:
“I officially announce my candidacy for mayor of Richmond. It is with the support of family and friends that I am taking a necessary step to bring progressive leadership to Richmond.
“It’s time for policies, not apologies.
“I am running for Mayor because we need a city that works for everyone, not just the elite few. Richmond needs a mayor who will not neglect its poorest neighborhoods to cater to special interests. We need a mayor who understands that growth means working to attract and retain new businesses while also being intentional about how we invest in our communities. We need a mayor who will prioritize serving our homeless population, improving health outcomes, building community wealth, providing affordable housing and inspiring a new generation of innovators to lead.
“I am the leader Richmond needs to take us to the next level.
“I have spent my entire career bringing people together and building coalitions. When politicians talk about grassroots organizing, they are talking about people like me and the work we’ve accomplished. For the past decade, I have worked tirelessly to secure wins our communities have needed the most. I’ve been on the front lines fighting for quality health care, workers’ rights, economic security, better educational opportunities and equitable access throughout all of our systems.
“During my time at Planned Parenthood, I helped expand Medicaid and health care coverage for all Virginians, as well as affordable birth control access in Richmond. As Virginia state director for Care in Action, we secured the first-ever labor protections for domestic workers in the state. My priority has always been to center and uplift marginalized voices - those that history and our city has left behind - by advocating for a new path forward through progressive policies.
“This week has shown us there is an absence of true leadership in Richmond. After years of leaving community leaders out of key decisions, trust has been broken between the current administration and the people. Without mending our communities, we will fall behind and never recover. I am here to help Richmond heal and move forward together. I am here to serve the people of Richmond as its next mayor.”
