Congressman Bobby Scott endorsed Dwight Jones for Mayor of Richmond Tuesday. From the press release:
Congressman Scott’s endorsement is the biggest endorsement to date in the race for Richmond’s mayor.
“Dwight Jones is the right candidate to build a better Richmond,” Congressman Scott said in his endorsement of Delegate Jones.
Congressman Scott has represented the majority of Richmond in United State House of Representatives since 1993. Prior to being elected to the United States House of Representatives, Scott served in the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate. He was the first African American elected to Congress from Virginia since Reconstruction and only the second African American elected to Congress in Virginia’s history.
Congressman Scott cited Delegate Jones’ experience as a Delegate, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, and community leader as reasons he chose to endorse Jones.
“As former Chair of the Richmond School Board, Dwight knows what it takes to improve our schools. As Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, Dwight has served as a Democratic leader in the Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation to increase funding for our schools, cracked down on sexual predators and gangs, and worked to curb gun violence. His work to redevelop Hull Street and build affordable housing and a senior center show his commitment to building better and safer communities.”
“Dwight Jones has the experience working with all groups in the city – including grassroots activists, community leaders, the business community and other elected officials – to get things done. I believe he can bring people together and move Richmond forward,” he said.
Delegate Jones thanked Congressman Scott for his support and said he looks forward to working with him as Mayor.
“It is an honor to have the endorsement of Congressman Scott – one of Virginia’s most committed, effective and selfless public servants. He has been a tireless advocate for our city, working to improve public safety, equality and social justice.”
“Congressman Scott has been Richmond’s biggest advocate in the House of Representatives and I look forward to working with him to build a better Richmond,” Jones said.
Hampton Roads residents can show their support of Jones’ candidacy by attending a fundraising reception this Sunday, October 26, from 4pm-5:30pm at Metropolitan. Hosting the event are local legislators and the special guest will be Rep. Scott. For more details, contact Gaylene.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Scott is pretty safe a secure in his gerrymandered district; have you seen this on on a map; ridiculous but then so many are, but I am disappointed with this selection as are quite a few Richmonders I have spoken with today. Many of us would have much rather seen Bobby Scott get out there for Grey, but maybe this is a safe political choice with little blowback potential with voters.
Well, J., that district exists in that manner as dictated by the United States Department of Justice.
They required that Virginia create a majority-minority district and that’s what they got.
Yeah, your right Timothy. I guess I just find most of these lines absurd. But hey, we get to sit through it all over again real soon I guess. Gee I wonder just what that “independent” body will look like if there even is one, but then does not the State have to approve such districts? I don’t think I could stomach a mandated situation from the kind of Federal government that is on our horizon.