FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024
ERIC SUNDBERG DISCUSSES THE OUTCOME OF THE 7TH DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL ELECTION
Richmond, VA – Eric Sundberg, candidate for Richmond's 7th District City Council seat released the following statement on the outcome of the election:
"With all of the votes in, I must say with a heavy heart that we did not win the 7th District city council seat. First and foremost, to those most affected by the continued economic hardships in the East End, I extend my sincerest apologies that we were unable to deliver the victory you deserve today.
"We know that some—if not many— of those who suffer most from a city council largely bought and paid for by developer dollars chose to vote for Councilwoman Newbille. But we hold no grudge—regardless of your vote, our purpose has always been to uplift all people. That remains as true today as it did before the polls closed.
"Our mission transcends one election, one office, or one year. This is a beginning, not an end. We have a much larger fight to empower the people against a government in corporate capture.
"To those who stood with us from the start—thank you, sincerely. You are the bedrock of this movement. And to those who voiced support but felt I needed more time to show my face in the community—I hear you. Councilwoman Newbille has had 14 years in office; I'm 29.
"Speaking to both of our records, for 50% of my life, Newbille has a seat on our city council. During this time the councilwoman saw our city hit a record-high eviction rate,¹ she favored providing billions in tax breaks to corporate giants at the taxpayer's expense,² she supported the suppression of protest and dissent both in the streets and in the halls of council recently she ranked outgoing mayor, Levar Stoney, as a B+ mayor at the League of Women's Voter city council candidates forum on October 9th, 2024. I gave him an F.
"In my time in Richmond, I've sat with frustrated renters who had holes in their floors and mold in their ducts and pointed out each code violation so we could put it in a letter to their landlord. I've stood with striking union workers, organized, and called in any support that could be mustered to reinforce the picket line. I've taken on casework, putting to work the connections I'm privileged to have built in the General Assembly as a staffer so I can get solutions for people I call my neighbors; something that shouldn't be the case, but is, because many East Enders don't have a representative who pick up the phone when they call.
"To those who remain unsure of my continued dedication to the people, here is my promise to you: over the next four years you will not see my actions change. You'll continue to see me at Riverbend, a cup of black coffee in hand, or next to you in line at Sub Rosa. You'll continue to see me walking to work across MLK Bridge as you walk, bike, ride, or drive.
"You'll continue to see me getting residents the help they deserve when they're at wit's end. And you'll continue to see me fight alongside you against a dismissive council. From sidewalks to systems, together we'll maintain our crusade for a government that works for the many, not the few, and that puts people over profit."
###
For media inquiries, please contact:
Eric Sundberg
press@votesundberg.com
(804) 396-3125
To learn more about Eric Sundberg's campaign and join the movement, visit the campaign's website.