Copyright Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Morales won a third full term in office Tuesday, easily defeating two challengers. Morales, who was first elected in 2015, secured almost 55% of the vote, according to unofficial results. Local attorney Nathan Chapman collected 24%, and former state delegate and Portsmouth City Councilman Steve Heretick got around 21%, according to the unofficial results. Here’s how the city voted in the other races. Sheriff Incumbent Michael Moore easily won a third term as Portsmouth sheriff, taking in almost two-thirds of the vote, according to unofficial results. Moore gathered about 68% of the vote while challenger James Cullen received nearly 32%, the results showed. Cullen, who previously served as a police officer and a U.S. Coast Guard commander, ran as an independent. Moore, a Democrat, was first elected in 2017. He previously served as a community college instructor and supervisor with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Treasurer Paige Cherry, a Democrat who ran unopposed, won another term. Cherry, who has served as treasurer since 2017 after being a City Council member, will be the custodian for public funds in the city of Portsmouth. The office is responsible for all activities related to the receipt, deposit, investment, reconciliation and disbursements of funds. Before the election, Cherry said his priority is to continue to improve payment methods and maximize investment opportunities for the city while providing good customer service to citizens. Commissioner of Revenue Democrat Frankie Edmondson will continue as Portsmouth’s commissioner of revenue, after running unopposed. The commissioner is responsible for processing business licenses, business personal property accounts, excise tax accounts, personal property accounts, residential sales permits and state income tax returns. The commissioner’s office is not responsible for real estate tax assessments. Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
