Copyright Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
Newport News voters turned out to the polls to determine who will fill four city positions. Some races were contested, other candidates ran unopposed. Here’s what Newport News voters decided. Sheriff Longtime incumbent Gabe Morgan won his fifth consecutive term as Newport News sheriff, and will now serve another four-year term in the role. The Democrat faced challenger Francis Jacobson, an independent candidate whose prior experience included being a former deputy sheriff for the city. As of 10:01 p.m., Morgan received nearly 72% of the vote, compared to Robinson’s more than 28% of the vote, according to unofficial results. “I think my body of work speaks for itself, and my commitment to this community was rewarded by the voters,” Morgan said during an election watch party at Cozzy’s Comedy Club on Warwick Boulevard. He said the voters essentially told him to “continue to do what you’re doing.” “To me, it’s all about this community,” he added. “I do this not because I have to. I do this because I love what I do … And I’m grateful. I’m grateful to the people in Newport News, and I vow to continue working on behalf of everyone in Newport News, whether they voted for me or not.” Commonwealth’s attorney Democrat Shannon Jones won a four-year term to serve as Newport News’ top prosecutor. Jones previously served as assistant city attorney, and ran unopposed in the general election. Jones beat incumbent Howard Gwynn, the second-longest serving commonwealth’s attorney in Virginia, in the Democratic primary election in June to claim the nomination. Treasurer Democrat Sanu Dieng-Cooper defeated independent Justin Kennedy for Newport News treasurer according to unofficial election results. As of 10:17 Tuesday night, vote tallies show Dieng-Cooper earned more than 59% of the ballots cast, compared to Kennedy’s more than 40%. Dieng-Cooper will now be responsible for all activities related to the city’s collection and disbursement of funds and replaces Marty Eubank. Eubank announced he would not seek reelection in March. But he reentered the race after another Democrat, Derek Reason, challenged Dieng-Cooper in the primary. After Dieng-Cooper won the primary, Eubank withdrew from the race. Dieng-Cooper said one of her top priorities as treasurer will be modernizing office technology and promoting financial literacy resources to Newport News residents. Commissioner of revenue Democrat incumbent Tiffany Boyle, who ran unopposed, was reelected and will continue serving as Newport News commissioner of revenue. Boyle served in the role, which processes business licenses, personal property accounts, residential sales permits and state income tax returns, since 2018. Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037, devlin.epding@virginiamedia.com Staff writer Peter Dujardin contributed to this report.
