Roanoke City Council Faces Change as Two Key Members Opt Out

In a significant development for the Roanoke City Council, Council member Trish White-Boyd has officially announced that she will not be seeking reelection in the November 2024 council elections. This decision comes on the heels of Mayor Sherman Lea’s earlier announcement that he, too, will not be seeking another term. With at least two key positions up for grabs, the landscape of the Roanoke City Council is set for a notable transformation in 2025.

White-Boyd, serving on the council since 2021, also recently ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Virginia State Senate as a Democrat in the new District 4. Despite her extensive involvement with the city’s commission on equity and inclusion and operating a home health care company, White-Boyd has decided against pursuing a second term on the Roanoke City Council.

The departure of both White-Boyd and Mayor Lea leaves two open spots on the City Council, prompting speculation about potential candidates and shifts in leadership. White-Boyd, having served as Vice-Mayor for two years after leading the 2020 election vote, was considered by many as a top candidate for the Mayor’s position before her announcement not to run again.

Current Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb, a Democrat, has indicated that he will announce his interest in running for Mayor after the holidays. The city’s council elections are scheduled for November, with June primaries deciding party nominations.

White-Boyd’s political journey began in 2016 when she first ran for the Roanoke City Council, finishing fourth. She later secured a seat in 2019 after the resignation of John Garland. White-Boyd’s popularity continued as she led the balloting in 2020, earning her the role of Vice-Mayor in 2021-2022. However, her recent bid for the state Senate faced challenges, winning the city with 60.89% of the vote but falling short district-wide with 46.57%.

As the city gears up for the 2025 elections, potential candidates for mayor include Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb, independent Council member Stephanie Moon-Reynolds, and former Mayor David Bowers, who recently switched party identification from Democrat to Republican.

The Roanoke City Council’s transformation is poised to be a focal point in local politics, with the changing dynamics and the emergence of new leadership playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future. Stay tuned for updates as the political landscape continues to evolve.