KEYRIS MANZANARES: Dr. Danny Avula is projected to be Richmond's next mayor.

At his watch party on election night, Avula did not declare victory, but delivered a hopeful speech.

DANNY AVULA: I am so incredibly honored to have your trust and your partnership as we move forward.

And hopefully when these numbers come in, I will say I cannot wait to get started with all of you all.

KEYRIS MANZANARES: But as results came in, Avula held leads in in six of Richmond's council districts: the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th.

Enough to secure the city's top job, which requires winning a majority of the nine districts.

Avula is the first non-Black candidate to win under Richmond's election system, adopted in 2003.

He says he's ready to get to work.

DANNY AVULA: We've identified some of the major priorities that we've been hearing from the voters of Richmond.

We've been hearing from the residents of the city for the last seven months of campaigning.

Affordable housing, investing in schools, really addressing some of the basic functions of City Hall.

So, that's the work as we lead into transition, making sure that we've got the right talent and the right team to come together.

KEYRIS MANZANARES: The results are set to be certified on November 15th.

Keyris Manzanares, VPM News.