Andrew Ringle, Managing Editor

Richmond City Council candidate Graham Sturm announced he will drop out of the race for the 5th District seat and endorse Stephanie Lynch.

The Armstrong High School history teacher said he chose to support Lynch because of her experience as a social worker and her communication skills.

“I want to thank [Sturm] so much for everything that he has brought to this race, as well as his continued service in Richmond Public Schools,” Lynch said.

If he had been elected, Sturm would have been City Council’s first openly gay member.

Sturm’s campaign was focused on rebuilding Richmond schools and rezoning in an equitable way. He was one of eight candidates in the race for the City Council seat.

“Stephanie hears you. She hears me,” Sturm said. “At the outset I promised responsive leadership, and I know that you will get that with Stephanie Lynch.”

Seven candidates remain in the race for the 5th District, which includes residencies south of Floyd Avenue and Main Street, in addition to Randolph and other neighborhoods.

Whoever is elected will take office Dec. 1 and finish the last 13 months of the four-year term. The other candidates include:

VCU political science graduate Nicholas Da Silva

Social worker Stephanie Lynch

Business development manager Jer’Mykeal McCoy

Rev. Robin Mines

Former councilman Chuck Richardson

Richmond Public Schools teacher Mamie Taylor

University of Richmond professor Thad Williamson

Executive Editor Georgia Geen contributed to this report.