NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Eight people, including two incumbents, are running to serve on the Newport News City Council. The city's elections are divided into three sections: the North District, Central District, and South District.
13News Now reached out to all candidates to learn more about their positions before Election Day on November 5. Here's what they had to say
North District
For the North District, incumbent Marcellus Harris runs unopposed.
Marcellus Harris
Marcellus Harris was first elected to Newport News City Council in 2016, and again in 2020. Harris was born and raised in Newport News and graduated from East Carolina University, where he later served as a professional school counselor.
Harris said his first priorities for the city council include adding more mental health resources for youth services, expanding business opportunities, and bringing an end to gun violence.
"I got into this endeavor because of losing a student to gun violence and that is going to be one of the things that I continue to advocate for and finding programs that our young people could use here in Hampton Roads. We've done a lot in the past year to help, but we've still got more work to do, and it's something that I'm absolutely committed to getting done," he told 13News Now.
Central District
For the Central District, five candidates are all running for one available seat: Rob Coleman, Andrea Diggs, Scott Cox, Justin Kennedy, and Stephen Ferguson.
Rob Coleman
Rob Coleman was born in South Korea, but now calls the city of Newport News home. Coleman once served on Newport News City Council in 2012 and served as Vice Mayor in 2016. Coleman also worked in the Newport News Sheriff's Office and is CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula.
If elected, Coleman said his first priorities for city council included adding more economic development to Newport News, increasing education opportunities for schools, and investing in public safety.
"I have a record for being in the community, previously being on council, working at the Sheriff's Office, it's about finding commonalities and where we can work together. To get anything done on City Council you need at least three other people to come along with you, and that takes building relationships - I'm dedicated to building all of those relationships."
Andrea Diggs
Andrea Diggs was born in Newport News but spent a life on the road because of her family's military background. Diggs then returned to Newport News where she graduated from Old Dominion University. She is now a licensed clinical social worker, and executive director for a non-profit, Federal Center for Independent Living.
If elected, Diggs said her first priorities for city council included: increasing mental health capabilities, creating more affordable housing, and supporting local businesses.
"I prioritize empathy, ethical behavior, and the well-being of everyone. I've always advocated for vulnerable populations and I've had experience working with at-risk youth and individuals with mental health challenges and disabilities.... those things show I will always help the vulnerable. I will take that with me to City Council."
Scott Cox
Scott Cox was born in Lynchburg but then moved to Hampton Roads. Cox has held a variety of different positions from "Dinosaur Man" at the Virginia Living Museum, to a personal fitness trainer, and once served with the Navy. He currently works for pest control.
If elected, Cox said his first priorities for city council included expanding Newport News education programs, enhancing public safety, and lowering property tax.
"I want people to know that I really do understand hardship. When I started this process I was unemployed, back in November I got laid off and I didn't want to quit. Compared to the other candidates I can actually relate to the struggle that is going on in our community, and when I say I truly work for you. I mean that."
Justin Kennedy
Justin Kennedy was born and raised in Washington, DC, but then called Newport News home in 2008. Kennedy spent decades working as an attorney and graduated from Rutgers Law School. He currently owns his own firm, The Kennedy Firm LLC.
If elected, Kennedy said his first priorities for city council included: adding more business opportunities for Newport News, expanding technology, and investing in more public safety.
"I believe the city needs to take an innovative approach, dig into technology and understand what is happening in the world and pick up the pace of progress here. I want to give another level of advocacy here, whether that means changing our healthcare system or ending red-tape sections. I want this city to grow in the right direction."
Stephen Ferguson
Stephen Ferguson grew up in Suffolk, but quickly called Newport News home. Ferguson is a former firefighter with both the cities of Elizabeth City and Chesapeake. He is now president of a non-profit, Fame Boosters, and owns a landscape maintenance business.
If elected, Ferguson said his first priorities for city council included: keeping big government small, creating safer schools, and lowering property taxes.
"Small businesses are our cornerstone; if you are looking at business opportunities or bringing a business to Newport News and realize we have the highest property tax on the peninsula and 3rd highest property tax in Hampton Roads... probably not going to move to Newport News."
South District
For the South District, two candidates are running for one available seat: incumbent Tina Vick and challenger Clifton Atkins.
Clifton Atkins
Clifton Atkins was born in Emporia but has lived in Newport News for the past 40 years. Atkins spent decades working in Newport News' shipbuilding, but is now a transit operator for Hampton Roads Transit.
If elected, Atkins said his first priorities for city council included focusing on shipping and manufacturing, adding more business opportunities, and enhancing public safety.
"Clifton Atkins is here to run for council to do what is needed to be done for us to be self-sufficient, bring minority jobs, and have better communication so that we can build a better Southeast Newport News. I've lived and breathed this community for so long, and now I want a chance to represent it," Atkins said.
Tina Vick
13News Now reached out to incumbent Council Member Tina Vick, but she was unavailable for comment. Vick has served on Newport News' city council for more than a decade, including time as vice mayor. She ran for and lost the 2022 mayoral election to Mayor Phillip Jones.
