Richmond — Today, Dr. Danny Avula, pediatrician, longtime public health leader, Governor Northam’s COVID-19 Vaccine Coordinator, former Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services, and father of five children who currently or previously attended Richmond Public Schools announced his bid for Richmond Mayor.
Throughout his 15+ year career in public service in Richmond, Dr. Avula, a Democrat, has held a variety of roles: Director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, Governor Northam’s lead architect of the statewide COVID-19 vaccination effort, Commissioner of the state’s Department of Social Services, and a practicing pediatrician.”I know what’s possible when we focus our strengths and resources to solve problems in Richmond. I have firsthand experience working with our city’s diverse communities and bringing together public and private sector partners to build stronger, healthier communities— and we need that experience in City Hall,” says Dr. Avula.
“I’m running for Mayor because Richmond is at an inflection point and needs a proven leader at the helm. As Governor Northam’s Vaccine Coordinator, I spearheaded the vaccine rollout efforts to bring Virginia from 50th to the top 10 most vaccinated states. As Mayor, I will fight to fully fund public education and embed resources for families in every community; I will protect reproductive freedom and defend against any attempt to limit access to abortion; I will lead a more responsive, proactive, and accountable City Hall; and I will invest in our neighborhoods so that they are safer, more walkable and bikeable, and more climate-resilient.”
Dr. Avula also knows the importance of an environment where Richmonders can open businesses and find quality jobs. Danny helped Virginia get back in business. Thanks to his efficient vaccine rollout, Danny got shots in arms so hardworking Virginians could get back to work as soon as possible. “I know how to manage through a crisis. A thriving Richmond is possible for all of us, and our residents deserve nothing less. I will lead a City Hall that is progressive, responsive, accountable, and truly excellent at delivering services to our communities. During this campaign, I will work hard every day to earn the trust and the votes of my fellow Richmonders.”
Dr. Danny Avula lives in the East End with his five children, and his wife Mary Kay, an RPS elementary school teacher. He is a graduate of UVA, VCU, and Johns Hopkins University. Danny was named one of Richmond’s “Top Docs” each year from 2013-2022, a Richmond Times-Dispatch Person of the Year in 2019, and Style Weekly’s Richmonder of the Year in 2020. Learn more about Danny on his website, DannyforMayor.com.
In launching his campaign for Mayor, Dr. Avula has stepped down as the Commissioner for the state’s Department of Social Services. He will continue to serve kids and families as a Pediatric Hospitalist at Chippenham Hospital throughout the campaign for Mayor.
###
