PRESS RELEASE: Four Candidates Secure Democratic Nomination For Lynchburg City Council

For The First Time In Living Memory, Democrats Will Aim To Sweep All Four Ward Seats On Lynchburg City Council

[Lynchburg, VIRGINIA, April 5] – One incumbent and three challengers have successfully secured the Democratic nomination and will square off against Republican opponents for Lynchburg’s four ward seats in the upcoming November election for City Council. 

The Democratic candidate for Ward I is Randy N. Smith, an entrepreneur and small business owner championing work in the trades and its potential to provide long lasting, stable, well paying jobs for those who aren’t financially able or interested in the college career path. Mr. Smith is running in an open race, after Councilwoman MaryJane Dolan announced she would not seek reelection.

The Democratic candidate for Ward II is Dr. Sterling Wilder, who is running for re-election and seeking a third term. Dr. Wilder is best known for his advocacy and mentorship of Lynchburg’s young people. As executive director of the Jubilee Family Development Center, he is responsible for extensive educational and recreational programming designed to inspire achievement and self-sufficiency in the City’s youth – including summer enrichment camps, a STEM center, and vocational training.

The Democratic candidate for Ward III is Dr. James Coleman. Dr. Coleman is no stranger to local government, having been unanimously appointed by City Council to the Lynchburg City School Board, where he held both the Chair and Vice Chair positions during his three-term tenure. Deeply engaged in education, James has been an instructor in Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) and Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), and now works as the Dean of the School of Religion, Faculty Chair and Professor at the Virginia University of Lynchburg.

The Democratic candidate for Ward IV is April Watson, a 6th generation Lynchburg resident. As a licensed clinical social worker, she provides direct clinical services and supervisory consultation for programs focused on adults with disabilities, children experiencing trauma, foster and kinship parent education and support. Through her work with government-funded programs like nutrition assistance, job training and employment services, and innovative education grants, April has direct evidence of how tax money, when strategically directed, can help break cycles of generational poverty and involvement with the criminal justice system. 

The election comes at a time when Lynchburg City Council has been wracked with in-fighting among the Republican majority, who have lobbed insults, censures, and accusations at each other on an almost weekly basis. 

“It’s been so frustrating to see the chaos and pettiness in City Council over the last year. Whatever the public has seen, I promise you it has been worse behind the scenes,” said Dr. Sterling Wilder, Ward II Councilman. “It’s a shame, because our citizens deserve better. There is so much more we can do, but we’ve got to have leaders that are willing to work together.”

All four candidates have children that are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, Lynchburg City Schools (LCS). Their commitment to great public education for all Lynchburg families comes at a time when proposed cuts to the LCS budget and potential closing of two elementary schools are garnering concern and outrage from the community. 

“I have nearly two decades of experience working with families as they struggle to stay afloat,” said April Watson, candidate for Ward IV. “I can’t stand by while short-sighted decisions make it harder for our kids and our families to thrive.”

An important difference in this year’s election is that all four candidates are running as Democrats. In the past, left-leaning candidates generally ran as Independents, but sought endorsement from the local Democratic party. Now, voters will be easily able to identify candidates who share their values. 

In addition, this year’s candidates are working closely together with a shared campaign team. Under the banner “Lynchburg Better Together,” campaign strategists are building capacity for what looks to be an intense campaign season. By pooling resources and coordinating volunteers, candidates can spend more time listening to voters and less time on the day-to-day logistics of running a campaign. 

“After the state legislature elections last year, we identified the need for a more strategic, sustained effort to elect Democrats locally,” said Nichole Sanders, one of the lead organizers behind Lynchburg Better Together. “Running for office can be really challenging without an existing infrastructure to connect with voters, organize volunteers, and provide financial support. A good campaign is truly a team effort, and we want Lynchburg to be ready to support great candidates now and in years to come.”

A detailed biography of each candidate is available at www.lynchburgbettertogether.org, along with helpful information about planning your vote. 

About Lynchburg Better Together

Lynchburg Better Together is a political organization that works to support Democratic candidates who know that investing in great public education, safe neighborhoods, and smart economic development builds a city that's better together! Learn more at www.lynchburgbettertogether.org.