Danny Avula (born 1978)[1] is an American public health professional and politician who is the mayor of Richmond,Virginia,following his victory in the 2024 election. He is a member of the Democratic Party and the city's first Indian mayor.
Avula was born in Hyderabad,India,and immigrated with his family to the United States a year after he was born. His father joined the U.S. Navy and his family lived in California until Avula's late elementary school years. After his father retired from active duty,both his parents spent their careers working for the Department of Defense.[2] He grew up in Northern Virginia.[3]
Avula gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic earning the nickname "Richmond's Dr. Fauci" and led vaccination efforts in Virginia.[5] He previously served as director of the Health District covering Richmond and Henrico County.[6] In 2020,he was named Style Weekly's Richmonder of the Year.[3] He went on to be appointed Commissioner of Social Services for the Commonwealth of Virginia by Governors Ralph Northam and Glenn Youngkin.[4]
Avula announced his campaign for mayor of Richmond,Virginia,on April 10,2024.[7] On November 5,2024,Avula won the 2024 Richmond mayoral election becoming mayor-elect of the city.[8] Avula was sworn in on January 1,2025,making him the city's first immigrant mayor.[7]
Personal life
Avula is married to Mary Kay,a Richmond Public Schools elementary school teacher. He and his wife have five children.[9] One of their children is adopted.[10]
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