Michael will be the first out LGBTQ+ Mayor of Blacksburg!
Biography
Michael Sutphin is vice mayor of Blacksburg, Virginia, and a four-term member of the Blacksburg Town Council. He’s running for mayor to invest in infrastructure, expand opportunities for all, and build a more sustainable, inclusive future. Michael has been a longtime advocate for equity and LGBTQ+ rights, including seven years on the board of Equality Virginia, where he served as board chair. On council, he has worked on issues ranging from transportation and housing to sustainability and economic development. He currently represents the town on several regional bodies, including the New River Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Virginia Tech Blacksburg Liaison Committee. A Virginia Tech alumnus, he has called Blacksburg home for more than 20 years and is committed to keeping it a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work, and build a future. He believes local government should reflect the values of its people —compassion, fairness, and a deep commitment to community.