Virginia Beach City Council Elections Will Be Held November 3
Six incumbents are seeking reelection in local races across the single-member districts of Virginia Beach.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
In local elections, do you generally prefer voting for incumbent candidates?
Six City Council seats in Virginia Beach are up for election on November 3, 2026. All six incumbents are currently running to retain their positions in the upcoming local vote.
Why it matters
The election tests the strength of current leadership as incumbents face challenges spurred by community disagreements over council decisions. It also serves as a referendum on the city's transition away from an at-large voting system.
Six council seats are up for election in 2026, with three candidates ranking among the top five statewide for cash on hand. The city previously ended its at-large voting system in 2022 to transition to single-member districts.
The players
Barbara Henley
She is a veteran City Council member who has served in the body since 1978.
Worth Remick
He is a sitting City Council incumbent who currently faces a challenge from R.K. Kowalewitch in District 6.
Joash Schulman
He is an incumbent City Council member seeking to defend his District 9 seat against John Moss.
Jennifer Rouse
She is the incumbent representing District 10 who is currently running unopposed in the election.
Stacy Cummings
She is the District 9 representative who has served on the council since 2025.
The details
Candidates are campaigning under the city's single-member district system, which replaced the previous at-large voting model in 2022. While most incumbents face challengers, Jennifer Rouse is running unopposed for her District 10 seat, and Janet Byrnes is the only first-time candidate in the cycle.
Timeline
Barbara Henley began serving non-consecutive City Council terms in 1978.
The city ended its at-large voting system in 2022.
Campaign finance data was measured as of the August 31, 2026 cutoff.
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opposition leaders and challengers argue that recent council decisions do not align with community priorities, fueling the push for new representation. These candidates emphasize that disagreements with incumbent policy stances are the primary drivers for their campaigns.
Residents should confirm their assigned polling location and district to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming vote. With early voting already underway, constituents have the opportunity to participate before the November 3 deadline.
The takeaway
The upcoming election marks a critical test for incumbents adjusting to the single-member district system enacted in 2022. Voters should review candidate platforms and local campaign finance disclosures to understand how their district representation may change.
What happens next
Voters will cast their ballots on Election Day, which is set for November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local electoral processes and upcoming candidates on the City Hall page.
More information
Review your specific voting district and candidate information through the Virginia Beach local election districts lookup.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Press.
Live Poll
In local elections, do you generally prefer voting for incumbent candidates?
