Harwood, Goodhart Win Blacksburg Council Seats

Leslie Harwood and Joel Goodhart won uncontested special-election seats on the Blacksburg Town Council after vacancies left by Michael Sutphin and Liam Watson.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in City Hall

Brick municipal building with white-trimmed windows and a flagpole in front of a wooded ridge under overcast daylight. — Voters in Blacksburg, Virginia, elected Leslie Harwood and Joel Goodhart to fill two vacant Town Council seats left by Michael Sutphin and Liam Watson. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Leslie Harwood received 7,319 votes and Joel Goodhart received 5,867 votes in the Blacksburg Town Council special election to fill the unexpired terms of Michael Sutphin and Liam Watson. Voters could select no more than two candidates on their ballots.

Why it matters

The seats opened after Sutphin left the council to assume the mayor's office and Watson resigned following felony convictions for election fraud and illegal voting. Filling them restores the council's full membership for Blacksburg residents.

Harwood received 7,319 votes and Goodhart received 5,867 votes, with Harwood's margin nearly 1,500 votes. The filing does not report total turnout or the number of ballots cast.

The players

Leslie Harwood

Harwood won a Blacksburg Town Council seat in the special election and has discussed public distrust of town leadership.

Joel Goodhart

Goodhart was appointed to the council in January and won a seat in the special election, with a campaign focused on affordable housing.

Michael Sutphin

Sutphin vacated his council seat after assuming the office of Blacksburg mayor.

The details

Goodhart was appointed to the council in January and campaigned on bringing more affordable housing to Blacksburg. Harwood's campaign began after Watson's resignation, and she has cited public distrust of town leadership as a motivating concern.

January: Goodhart appointed to fill a vacant council seat.
November 4, 2026: Special election held for the two council seats.

Political Context

Goodhart has said he looks forward to working on Recode Blacksburg and updating the comprehensive plan this year. The council seats filled here will shape the direction of that ongoing zoning and planning work.

The new council members will take part in decisions on zoning and the comprehensive plan that affect Blacksburg residents' housing options. Residents can follow council actions as these items move forward this year.

The takeaway

Local council seats shape everyday decisions on housing and land use, so following who fills them and what they prioritize matters for residents. Watching the comprehensive plan update this year offers a clear view of that influence.