Mayor Levar Stoney was raised in Virginia, graduating from local public schools before earning his bachelor’s degree at James Madison University. Stoney began his career in public service in 2004 as a fellow in then-Governor Mark Warner’s office and in 2014 became the first Black secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As secretary, Stoney worked tirelessly to restore civil and voting rights for disenfranchised Virginians. In 2016, he was elected mayor of Richmond, the youngest person ever to serve in that role.

Mayor Stoney is a leader on the issue of gun violence prevention and has been a vocal supporter of gun safety laws, repeatedly testifying before the Virginia Assembly and putting forth measures in his city whenever possible. He has advocated for state funding for community violence intervention initiatives that help save lives in the communities most impacted by gun violence. Mayor Stoney’s administration has passed mandatory 24-hour reporting requirements for lost or stolen guns, a ban on the open carry of weapons at or near special events, and an ordinance prohibiting firearms from being carried in city parks and facilities.

In January 2020, as armed crowds flooded the streets of Richmond, Mayor Stoney signed onto a joint letter with mayors from across the country to condemn armed intimidation and vigilantism by extremists. As mayor of Richmond, Levar Stoney has emerged as a leader on gun violence prevention and will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of the communities he serves.