Holding Breath Until Turning Blue (or Red)
Late Night Election Thoughts.
With Tuesday’s Election in the rear view mirror, it's time to look who will lead the government. The future of who the next President of the United States is still being counted at time of publication. The House of Representatives could flip control to the Democrats while the Senate could have a Republican Majority Leader. At least in Virginia, no Congressional or Senate seat changed parties.
There's no way to tell what the outcome of the nationwide races, so let's not dwell on those, at the moment. Let's not panic but let's prepare for any outcome.
Meanwhile in Richmond, The results of the Mayoral election is tilted to have Danny Avula the next Mayor if he can maintain his lead, and win in the city's 5 of 9 districts. Currently is leading in 6 districts. Mail-in votes are still arriving, so it's still unofficial.
Avula appears to have 44,000 votes as of 2:00 AM and 46% share of the Richmond vote. By comparison, Levar Stoney never cracked 40% of the citywide vote, even on his reelection.
Avula would become the head of the city's issues dealing with troubles in the public schools, police accountability, and instability with leadership in City Hall. Avula has the opportunity to change the direction but is also at risk of continuing fumbles from past administrations. Avula had been accused by his opponents like Harrison Roday for not being trustworthy on the issue of abortion access. All of those will be put to the test over the next four years.
City Council looks to have some new faces with Andrew “Gumby” Brenton winning in the first district after Andreas Addison choosing to run for mayor and Kenya Gibson defeated incumbent councilor Ann Lambert.
What's the future hold for Richmond? That remains to be determined if Avula will push to change the status quo or see similar inaction like during past mayor's administrations.
To help cheer you up, here's a video of Danny Avula inviting me to his campaign's fire truck.