Jon Russell
Culpeper Town Mayor
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About the Office
The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the municipality. They often preside over council meetings and may have the power to hire and fire heads of municipal departments.
Term Length
4 years
Election Date
Nov 4, 2025
About Me
Party
Independent
Occupation
School Board Consultant
Fun Fact
I own an urban homestead where I shepherd sheep in town—a unique blend of rural tradition and city living. Nestled right within the city limits, my small plot of land is home to a flock of sheep that graze peacefully amid the backdrop of sidewalks and streetlights. It's not something you see every day, and that's part of the charm. I’ve carved out a space where sustainability, simplicity, and stewardship come together, bringing a touch of the countryside into the heart of the urban landscape.
Past Experience
Jon Russell is the founder and CEO of Culpeper Rodeo, Owner of Kelly Street Boxing Club for at-risk-youth, a husband of 22 years to his wife, Sarah Russell, and father to their four children raised in Culpeper. Jon is dedicated to improving student outcomes in public education, serving as Director of Network Engagement for School Boards for Academic Excellence and previously the Chief of Staff for Spotsylvania County Public Schools and as Senior Advisor for the Virginia Department of Education State Superintendent, where he honed his skills in strategic and internal communications, crisis management, and public policy development. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Thomas Edison State University and graduated from the Sorenson Institute at University of Virginia. Member of the NAACP Culpeper Chapter, serves on the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee, Member of the Country Club of Culpeper.
My Top Issues
Balance development with neighborhood preservation
Common sense growth, stopping overcrowding.
- Moratorium on rezoning for data centers and new large scale housing developments.
- Allow schools and infrastructure to catch up with growth.
- Zoning that will allow for tiny homes and accessory dwelling units.
Invest in local public education
Involve the school board in housing development issues.
Infrastructure / Transportation
Establish a permanent Children's Museum in downtown Culpeper.
Housing
Zoning that will allow for tiny homes and accessory dwelling units.
Wages / Job Benefits
More shared workspace for government contractors.
Economy
We need a Mayor who will travel with economic development team to recruit businesses to Culpeper.
Housing
Moratorium on rezoning for data centers and new large scale housing developments.
Infrastructure / Transportation
Allow schools and infrastructure to catch up with growth.
Social Services
A pool in town where kids who need it the most can access it.
Economy
Allow for mixed use zoning overlay to increase the number of small businesses.
Education
Bring a medical school or college satellite location to downtown Culpeper.
Who I'm Running Against
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