Jones Wins Reelection as Newport News Mayor

Incumbent Phillip Jones led challengers Phillip Hamilton and Sharon Scott in unofficial results as voters weigh a school-construction sales tax.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Stone and brick civic building with tall windows and a stone staircase, flanked by oak trees under a dusky evening sky. — Incumbent Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones won reelection with 65% of the unofficial vote Tuesday, ahead of challengers Phillip Hamilton and Sharon Scott. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Newport News raise the sales tax by up to 1% for school construction?

Incumbent Phillip Jones held a commanding lead in unofficial results for Newport News mayor, with 65% of the vote as of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, ahead of Phillip Hamilton at 24% and Sharon Scott at 11%. Voters are also deciding a referendum to raise the sales tax by up to 1% for school construction.

Why it matters

The results give Jones a second term to complete city development projects he began during his first term, which made him the city's youngest mayor. The sales tax referendum would fund school construction and reflects how voters are weighing new local revenue.

Unofficial results put Jones at 65% against 24% for Hamilton and 11% for Scott, with 20 of 43 precincts reporting on the sales tax referendum, which showed 62% opposition. Final certified totals were not yet available.

The players

Phillip Jones

Phillip Jones is the incumbent mayor of Newport News who won reelection after becoming the city's youngest mayor four years earlier.

Phillip Hamilton

Phillip Hamilton is a Newport News mayoral challenger who finished second in unofficial results.

The details

Jones, who became the city's youngest mayor four years ago, faced two challengers in the race. Voters in the South District City Council race also saw John Eley lead with 68% in 10 of 19 precincts reporting, while Curtis Bethany III, Douglas Brown and Terri Best were reelected unopposed in their respective council and school board races.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Newport News election held
9:30 p.m. Tuesday: Unofficial mayoral vote totals reported
Next four years: Jones plans to complete ongoing city development projects

Political Context

Jones's reelection extends the tenure he began four years ago as the city's youngest mayor. The sales tax referendum would be the city's latest revenue decision, with opposition already at 62% in partial results.

If approved, the referendum would raise the sales tax by up to 1% to fund school construction, which would add to purchases made in Newport News. Residents would see the effect on everyday purchases if voters approve the measure.

The takeaway

Local elections often turn on down-ballot races and tax measures as much as the top contest. Readers tracking Newport News should watch final certified results, since partial counts can shift as remaining precincts report.