Frank Reaves Jr.

Frank Reaves Jr.
Mayor of Culpeper, Virginia
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 2022
Preceded byMichael T. Olinger
Member of the Culpeper Town Council
In office
2010–2022
Personal details
Born (1951-07-12) July 12, 1951 (age 75)
Culpeper, Virginia, U.S.
PartyIndependent
EducationGermanna Community College

Frank Reaves Jr. (born July 12, 1951) 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.

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.

Local political career

Reaves was first elected to the Culpeper Town Council in 2010 and served multiple terms before being elected mayor. During his time on the council he supported initiatives involving parks, public safety, and community facilities. He also appeared in regional voter guides that profiled his political career and priorities.

Mayor of Culpeper

Reaves was sworn in as mayor in January 2022, becoming the first Black mayor in the town’s 262-year history. 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. In February 2022 he was photographed and quoted during President Joe Biden’s visit to Culpeper.

Notable actions

Personal life

Reaves is married and has been a longtime resident of Culpeper. He has been active in multiple community organizations.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Culpeper elects 1st Black mayor in 262-year history". AP News. November 4, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Mayor Frank Reaves Jr". Town of Culpeper. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Culpeper Town Council votes to rename Lake Pelham". Fredericksburg Free Lance–Star. July 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Voter's Guide 2021: Culpeper Town Council candidates". InsideNoVa. October 4, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  5. ↑ "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.
  6. ↑ Portnoy, Jenna (February 10, 2022). "Biden visits Culpeper, Va., to tout drug price plan". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  7. ↑ See Fredericksburg Free Lance–Star reference above.
  8. ↑ "Town of Culpeper Annual Report 2022". Town of Culpeper. Retrieved September 28, 2025.