On June 2^nd, 2026 we will have a chance to use the full weight of the electoral process to determine who will represent us as Richmond’s Mayor for the next four years.

In an effort to help level the playing field, Radio Free Richmond has extended an offer to all five candidates for Mayor to post their own words to let you, the voters, know their positions on what they believe to be the important issues.

THIS IS FREE PUBLICITY.

The candidates have also been invited to post guest editorials on the issues of importance.

RFR will post a new candidate statement every couple of days.

RADIO FREE RICHMOND DOES NOT ENDORSE CANDIDATES—THEY OFFER A PLATFORM FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO EXPRESS IDEAS ON ISSUES OF VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY

I am the only mother, and the only immigrant running to represent you as the Mayor of Richmond because I know how hard it is to afford to live in our great city. The people of Richmond are facing unprecedented attacks from the Trump administration who are more concerned about targeting our neighbors and stripping away health care than taking care of its people. I believe deeply that local government can be a force for good that uplifts all communities especially historically-marginalized communities. You deserve a public servant who will stand strong for Richmond to deliver improved city services, bring new green industry into the city, and create a safer community for its residents.

I have never accepted corporate money and I will continue to stand by that promise. You deserve a mayor who will owe no favors and will hold large corporations accountable to the people of Richmond. During my time as a city council member, I negotiated a historic $550 million settlement with Chevron. That settlement, along with Measure U funds that I helped get on the ballot, increased the city’s revenue by $100 million, ensuring the fiscal health of our city for decades to come.

Our city government should be used to uplift our residents. Prior to joining the city council, I was actively involved with my Richmond neighbors to ensure access to public services like health care, housing services and jobs. With my fellow moms, I worked to rebuild Solano Playlot where residents could build community and children could play. As your mayor, I would take a back-to-basic approach by investing in core city functions that make Richmond the thriving city I fell in love with. This means investing in parks and libraries for working families to enjoy, roads that are safe to drive and landscaping that makes Richmond a great city to work and play.

During a time where many people do not feel safe living in this country, Richmond is offering a source of hope. I take great pride in telling people with gusto that everyone is welcome in Richmond. And I mean it. As an immigrant elected leader, I know people are depending on me to show leadership. I drafted the resolutions to strengthen our Sanctuary City protections and invest $1 million dollars in the local organizations that offer legal protections for targets of federal abuse. I will stand strong as your mayor to deliver genuine public safety by taking a holistic approach. The City of Richmond will not cooperate with ICE. To ensure that all families feel safe in Richmond, I will make sure that our city government will invest in services like the nationally-recognized Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) and the ROCK team I helped launch to respond to the mental health crisis.

I am running to be your mayor to ensure that every resident is proud to say they live in Richmond. Under my proven leadership, our city will improve city services to uplift residents, bring new jobs and industry that are green, and create safer communities. On June 2, I hope you will stand with me in this vision and vote for Claudia Jimenez as your next Mayor.