Jimenez announces bid for Richmond mayor against fellow progressive incumbent Martinez

RICHMOND — Councilmember Claudia Jimenez jumped into a crowded race for Richmond mayor after securing the endorsement of a progressive political group over incumbent Mayor Eduardo Martinez, she announced Wednesday.

First elected to represent Richmond’s District 6 in 2020, Jimenez said her decision to run for mayor has come sooner than she had planned after receiving encouragement from community members.

“It’s an incredible moment the city of Richmond is in and I feel we have a great opportunity to do bigger things. I feel like I have been showing the community how I can do things and deliver,” Jimenez told this news organization on Wednesday.

Jimenez announced her bid for mayor in an email Wednesday. She said she would not accept corporate donations.

“As mayor, I will be the no-nonsense, results-oriented leader that Richmond needs today,” Jimenez said in the announcement. “The future of Richmond is bright, and it belongs to all of us. I’m ready to lead our city into this next chapter with focus, energy, and experience.”

Just days before her announcement, the Richmond Progressive Alliance, a political advocacy group, endorsed her campaign over Martinez, who is running for reelection, said Jimenez, a member of the organization’s steering committee. Martinez has also been a long-time Richmond Progressive Alliance member.

Three others are also running for mayor: nonprofit director Ahmad Anderson, whose parents both served as Richmond mayors; former Councilmember Demnlus Johnson; and outspoken conservative Mark Wassberg.

Martinez did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The mayor has faced strong scrutiny in recent months after he reshared social media posts he later acknowledged were antisemitic while issuing a public apology. The controversy split the community between those who called for his resignation and others who said Martinez has done good for the community and should remain in office.

Jimenez was among Martinez’s supporters. At the time, she acknowledged that his social media posts were problematic but argued he was being targeted by outside political forces because of his advocacy for Palestinians.

The scandal could have played a role in why Jimenez received the backing of the Richmond Progressive Alliance, she said. Martinez has been a good mayor with whom she plans to continue working, she added. But the louder message she said she’s heard is that the city needs stronger leadership and she’s delivered.

“It wasn’t easy for anybody but they are all coming together to recognize my leadership and what I have done,” Jimenez said. “There is no fraction. People are coming together to support me. That is what makes this campaign exciting.”

Richmond voters will get their first chance to weigh in on the mayoral election during the June 2 primary. The top two vote getters will move on to the general election Nov. 3, unless a single candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.

Elections are also being held for District 2, 3 and 4 council seats. If Jimenez is elected mayor, the council could either appoint someone to finish out her term or hold a special election to fill the seat. Jimenez was reelected to the council in 2024.