Frank Reaves Jr.
Frank Reaves Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Culpeper, Virginia | |
| Assumed office January 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Michael T. Olinger |
| Member of the Culpeper Town Council | |
| In office 2010–2022 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 12, 1951 Culpeper, Virginia, U.S. |
| Party | Independent |
| Alma mater | Germanna Community College |
Frank Reaves Jr. (born July 12, 1951)[1] is an American politician who has served as the mayor of the Town of Culpeper, Virginia since January 2022. He is the first African-American to be elected mayor in the town’s history and previously served on the Culpeper Town Council.[1][2]
Early life and education
Reaves was born and raised in Culpeper. He graduated from Culpeper County High School and attended Germanna Community College. He is also a graduate of the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy. Prior to his political career, he worked as a certified private investigator.[2]
Local political career
Reaves was first elected to the Culpeper Town Council in 2010 and served multiple terms before being elected mayor.[2] During his time on the council he supported initiatives involving parks, public safety, and community facilities.[3] He also appeared in regional voter guides that profiled his political career and priorities.[4]
Mayor of Culpeper
Reaves was sworn in as mayor in January 2022, becoming the first Black mayor in the town’s 262-year history.[1] As mayor, he has spoken publicly about community unity and priorities such as parks and public safety. He has also worked with federal and state officials to secure funding for local projects.[5] In February 2022 he was photographed and quoted during President Joe Biden’s visit to Culpeper.[6]
Notable actions
- Participated in town decisions such as renaming Lake Pelham to Lake Culpeper.[7]
- Involved in discussions and planning for local parks and recreation facilities documented in Culpeper’s municipal reports.[8]
Personal life
Reaves is married and has been a longtime resident of Culpeper. He has been active in multiple community organizations.[2]
References
- ^ a b c "Culpeper elects 1st Black mayor in 262-year history". AP News. November 4, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Mayor Frank Reaves Jr". Town of Culpeper. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ "Culpeper Town Council votes to rename Lake Pelham". Fredericksburg Free Lance–Star. July 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ "Voter's Guide 2021: Culpeper Town Council candidates". InsideNoVa. October 4, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ "U.S. House Passes Spanberger's Legislation to Provide More Than $1 Million for Culpeper Public Safety, Economic Development Projects" (Press release). Office of Rep. Abigail Spanberger. March 9, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ Portnoy, Jenna (February 10, 2022). "Biden visits Culpeper, Va., to tout drug price plan". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ See Fredericksburg Free Lance–Star reference above.
- ^ "Town of Culpeper Annual Report 2022". Town of Culpeper. Retrieved September 28, 2025.