Portsmouth Will Elect Three Council Members November 3

Voters will also decide on a new 1% sales tax to fund local school renovations and construction.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in City Hall

Portsmouth Will Elect Three Council Members November 3

Live Poll

Should local governments use tax incentives to attract private businesses to your community?

Portsmouth residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect three members to the City Council. The ballot also features a measure to authorize a 1% local retail sales tax aimed at generating $13 million annually for school projects.

Why it matters

Candidates are campaigning on their ability to manage the city's complex financial landscape, which includes a high percentage of tax-exempt land and ongoing downtown development projects. The proposed sales tax is a central issue as the city seeks to address school infrastructure needs.

The city currently faces a burden where 40% of its land is tax-exempt, forcing reliance on existing tax rates of $1.24 per $100 for real estate and $5 per $100 for personal property. The proposed sales tax is projected to generate $13 million annually.

The players

Vernon Tillage Jr.

An incumbent Portsmouth City Council member seeking reelection who reported $64,619 in campaign cash on hand as of August 31.

Mark Hugel

An incumbent council member seeking a new term who has raised $55,614 for his reelection campaign.

Bill Moody

An incumbent member of the Portsmouth City Council who is currently seeking reelection in the upcoming November contest.

Lisa Lucas-Burke

A former council member challenging the incumbents for a seat on the council with $55,500 raised for the campaign.

Mark Whitaker

A former Portsmouth council member seeking to return to the board who has raised $2,868 in campaign funds.

The details

Incumbents Mark Hugel, Vernon Tillage Jr., and Bill Moody are seeking reelection, facing challenges from former council members Lisa Lucas-Burke and Mark Whitaker. The city is currently navigating significant fiscal commitments, including an $8 million allocation for downtown demolition projects and the purchase of the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority facility.

Demolition on the former civic center and jail began in May 2026.
Campaign finance records reflect status through August 31, 2026.
Early in-person voting concludes on October 31, 2026.
The City Council election and sales tax vote occurs on November 3, 2026.

Political Context

This election occurs against the backdrop of the Portsmouth tax-exempt land status, which complicates the city's ability to raise revenue from traditional property taxes. The outcome will signal whether residents favor shifting more of the tax burden toward a retail sales model.

Residents will decide if they are willing to pay an additional 1% sales tax at the checkout counter to fund school construction and renovations. The outcome will also determine the city's leadership as it pursues ongoing development initiatives in the downtown waterfront corridor.

The takeaway

Voters face a choice between maintaining current tax structures or authorizing a new sales tax to fund public infrastructure. Understanding each candidate's stance on development spending is essential for residents concerned about the city's long-term financial health.