Levar Stoney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Levar Stoney
Stoney in 2022
80th Mayor of Richmond
In office January 1, 2017 – January 1, 2025
Preceded by	Dwight Jones
Succeeded by	Danny Avula
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia
In office January 17, 2014 – April 15, 2016
Governor	Terry McAuliffe
Preceded by	Janet Vestal Kelly
Succeeded by	Kelly Thomasson
Personal details
Born	Levar Marcus Stoney (1981-03-20) March 20, 1981 (age 44) Nassau County, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouses	Kristina Perry ​ ​ (m. 2012; div. 2016)​ Brandy Washington ​ (m. 2023)​
Children	1
Education	James Madison University (BA)
Signature

Levar Marcus Stoney (born March 20, 1981) is an American politician. He served as the 80th Mayor of Richmond from 2017 to 2025. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming mayor, he was the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2014 to 2016. He was the youngest person in Governor Terry McAuliffe's team at that time.

In the 2025 elections, Stoney ran for lieutenant governor of Virginia. He lost the nomination to Ghazala Hashmi, another Democrat.

Levar Stoney's Early Life and Family

Levar Stoney was born in Roosevelt, Long Island, New York. When he was seven, he moved to Virginia with his younger brother. His father and grandmother raised him and his siblings. His father worked low-wage jobs and later became a high school janitor. His grandmother was a retired domestic worker.

At Tabb High School, Stoney was the quarterback for the football team. He was also president of the student body, a role he held since elementary school. He graduated from James Madison University in 2004. There, he was the first African-American male elected student government president. He was also active in the school's College Democrats group.

In 2023, Stoney married Brandy Washington. Their daughter, Sunday Washington Stoney, was born in March 2024.

Levar Stoney's Political Career

Stoney (left) with Terry McAcauliffe in 2010

In 2004, Stoney worked as a Governor's Fellow for Mark Warner. He then helped with John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. He also worked for the Democratic National Committee. Later, he cooperated with law enforcement regarding an incident involving some colleagues. This was seen as a "youthful mistake."

Stoney worked for the Democratic Party of Virginia from 2006 to 2009. He helped with President Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. In 2012, he joined Terry McAuliffe's campaign for governor. When McAuliffe won, Stoney became a key advisor for the transition team.

Serving as Secretary of the Commonwealth

Stoney in 2015

Governor McAuliffe chose Stoney to be the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia. He started this job on January 17, 2014.

As Secretary, Stoney worked to restore voting rights for people who had finished their prison sentences. He believed that once someone has "served their time," they should have the chance to contribute to society again.

Levar Stoney as Mayor of Richmond

Stoney (right) at a 2022 meeting for the Mental Health Matters Taskforce

Becoming Mayor

On April 21, 2016, Stoney announced he would run for Mayor of Richmond. He resigned as Secretary of the Commonwealth to do this. The previous mayor, Dwight Clinton Jones, could not run again.

Stoney won the election, beating Jack Berry. He was sworn in on December 31, 2016. At 35 years old, he became Richmond's youngest elected mayor. He was reelected in 2020.

Mayor's Focus Areas

Improving City Services

When Stoney became mayor, he ordered a review of all city departments. This was to find ways to make the government work better and more efficiently.

Cigarette Tax

In 2019, Mayor Stoney suggested adding a 50-cent tax on each pack of cigarettes. This was Richmond's first cigarette tax. The City Council approved it as part of the 2020 budget. This tax helped increase funding for schools and street paving.

Supporting Education

Funding for Schools

In 2020, Stoney celebrated the opening of three new schools. Their construction was paid for by a small increase in the meals tax he proposed. These new schools have special facilities like science labs and art classrooms.

Stoney also started the "Pathways Program." This program pays for tuition at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for any Richmond Public School student. Since 2017, his administration increased local funding for public schools by 46.1%. By 2025, total local contributions to Richmond Public Schools reached $239.3 million, a 58% increase.

After-School Programs

Stoney made it a goal to expand after-school programs. In 2018, he announced that all 33 Richmond Public Schools would offer these programs. They also provided transportation for students. By 2020, programs focused on arts, science, and sports were available at all elementary and middle schools.

Public Safety Initiatives

Positive Youth Development Fund

In 2022, Stoney launched the Positive Youth Development Fund. This fund helps community groups offer programs for young people. The goal is to keep youth engaged and provide safe places. It aims to address the reasons behind youth violence through education and recreation. By 2024, the fund had given nearly $500,000 in grants to over 40 nonprofit groups. These grants support programs in arts, education, sports, and mental health.

Public Safety Task Force

In 2020, Stoney created a task force to "reimagine" public safety. This group reviewed police policies and suggested changes. Their goal was to improve trust between law enforcement and the community. The task force made 15 recommendations. These focused on police accountability, training, and mental health support.

Civilian Review Board

In 2022, Stoney proposed creating an independent Civilian Review Board (CRB). The City Council approved this. The CRB helps oversee the police department. It reviews officer conduct and makes recommendations. This board aims to make the police department more open and accountable.

Housing Policies

A major goal for Stoney was to address Richmond's affordable housing needs. He aimed to build 1,000 new affordable homes each year. By 2024, the city was building new units faster than expected.

Eviction Prevention Program

In 2019, Stoney announced Virginia's first eviction prevention program. This program helps families avoid eviction. It offers money, legal help, and financial education. By 2024, the program had helped over 1,600 families stay in their homes.

Building Affordable Homes

Since Stoney took office, Richmond built 5,000 new affordable homes. The city is working with developers to redevelop properties. This creates more homeownership opportunities. Projects like the one in Gilpin Court focus on increasing affordable housing.

In 2023, Stoney proposed two affordable housing projects in South Richmond. His administration also used grants to encourage developers to add affordable housing.

Partnership for Housing

Stoney's 2023–2024 city budget included $50 million for affordable housing. In November, he announced that the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) would match this amount. This created a $100 million budget to build more affordable homes.

Declaring a Housing Crisis

In March 2023, Stoney and the City Council declared a housing crisis in Richmond. They asked state lawmakers and nonprofit groups for help. This declaration showed the urgent need for more affordable housing in the city.

2023–2024 City Budget

For the 2023–2024 year, Stoney proposed a $3 billion city budget. This budget included pay raises for many city employees. Police officers and firefighters received a 5% raise. Other employees received an 8% raise. The budget also ensured that no hourly city employee earned less than $18 per hour.

The budget also set aside $21.1 million for public schools. It allocated $50 million for affordable housing over five years. Another $15 million went to restoring William Fox Elementary School. And $21 million was for new transportation projects.

Removing Confederate Statues

In 2017, Stoney created a commission to discuss the future of Richmond's Confederate statues. He initially preferred adding historical information to the statues. However, after events in Charlottesville, he urged the commission to consider removing them.

In June 2020, protests happened in Richmond. Stoney used his emergency powers to order the immediate removal of the statues. He said it was necessary for public safety and to help the city heal. He wanted to move past the symbols of the Confederacy and address racial injustices. Richmond removed its last Confederate monument in December 2022.

In 2023, Stoney restarted the city's History and Culture Commission. This group will plan to rename streets and public places that still honor Confederate figures.

Involvement in National Groups

U.S. Conference of Mayors

In 2019, Stoney became chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Children, Health, and Human Services Committee. This recognized his work in providing resources for children and families in Richmond.

Democratic Mayors Association

In January 2022, Stoney was elected President of the Democratic Mayors Alliance. This group works to elect Democratic mayors. Stoney is also a member of the Democratic National Committee.

Statewide Politics

In December 2023, Stoney announced he would run for governor of Virginia in the 2025 election. Former Governor Terry McAuliffe supported his campaign. However, in April 2024, Stoney changed his campaign. He decided to run for lieutenant governor of Virginia instead. He narrowly lost the Democratic primary to Ghazala Hashmi.

Images for kids

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  Results of the 2025 Virginia Lieutenant Governor Democratic primary election by county.