The Richmond City Democratic Committee voted last night to endorse Del. Dwight Jones (D) in the Nov. 4 election to succeed L. Douglas Wilder as mayor of Richmond.

Jones, the chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, is locked in a five way race with Paul Goldman, a former Wilder ally, attorney Robert J. Grey Jr., City Council President William Pantele and community activist Lawrence E. Williams Sr.

Goldman and Pantele are white. Jones, Grey and Williams are black.

Jones is widely believed to the front-runner, although its unclear if he will win the five of nine wards needed to avoid a run-off in December. Adding to the uncertainty, there could be a record turnout in Richmond this year because of the presidential race. Many voters who show up at the polls may be unfamiliar with any of the candidates in the mayor' s race.

Jones has also been endorsed by Richmond Education Association, the influential Richmond Crusade for Voters, the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Richmond Building & Construction Trades Council.

Jones is also the pastor of a large black church in the city. Although he has a generally progressive voting record, he holds conservative views on some social issues, including supporting the succesful effort in 2006 for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and civil unions.

By Tim Craig  |  September 26, 2008; 2:46 PM ET
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