David Cropper officially declared his candidacy for the Fredericksburg City Council Ward 1 seat. In a press release distributed Sunday, Cropper described himself as “a lifelong resident of the city,” who “is deeply invested in its future and is dedicated to advocating for its residents.”
All four ward seats are up for grabs in November’s election. In 2024, current Ward 1 Councilor Jason Graham announced that he will not seek re-election. Ward 1 includes the Idlewild and Snowden Hills neighborhoods as well as the area surrounding Hugh Mercer Elementary School, which is the polling station.
Cropper said he witnessed Fredericksburg’s evolution from a quiet town to a bustling urban center. He noted that he attended Walker-Grant Middle School and James Monroe High School, and that provided him a unique understanding of the city’s education system and the growth of its schools.
Cropper is the owner and managing broker of Cropper Home Sales, LLC. He serves on the Loisann’s Hope House board and works with the Central Virginia Housing Coalition and the Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation, where he said he strives to address issues of homelessness and affordable housing.
Cropper is also a member of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club. Cropper said his campaign will be driven by a commitment to improving the community.
He outlined several key issues for his campaign:
- Providing affordable housing for workers: With average rental prices ranging from $2,000-$2,500 and median home prices reaching $450,000, many hardworking residents struggle to afford living in the city they serve, Cropper said. Cropper pledged to work to create more affordable housing options for essential workers such as police officers, teachers, nurses, and tradespeople.
- Ensuring fair pay for first responders and teachers: Cropper said he will advocate for higher wages and better benefits to retain essential workers such as police officers, firefighters and educators.
- Attracting new businesses and creating jobs: Cropper said he will cut “red tape,” support small businesses, and incentivize growth, which he believes will strengthen the local economy and expand job opportunities.
“Our city is a shining example of success that draws people from all over, but we need leaders who prioritize the needs of the people over politics,” Cropper said. “I am committed to finding solutions that enhance our community and ensure that Fredericksburg remains a fantastic place to live and work.”
For more information on Cropper’s campaign, visit cropper4council.com or find him on Facebook/cropper4council.
