Phillip D. Jones is a candidate in the race for Newport News mayor.
Jones is one of three candidates in this race who will appear on the November ballot. He is the city’s current mayor and has held the seat since 2023.
November 3, 2026 WAVY Voter Guide
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. Jones’ responses are below.
Your Local Election Headquarters on WAVY.com
Candidate Information
Name: Phillip D. JonesRace: Newport News MayorParty: 37Website: phillipjones.com
Biography:
Phillip Jones is the 27th Mayor of Newport News. He is focused on strengthening education, enhancing public safety, and bringing innovation to City Hall. During his first term, Newport News earned its first-ever All-America City designation, recognizing the city’s commitment to community engagement and progress. Over the past four years, the city has also achieved a 12-year low in homicides, along with significant reductions in overall crime. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mayor Jones holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. He served as a Marine Corps infantry officer on four continents and currently serves as a Major in the Marine Corps Reserve. He also brings private-sector experience, having advised Fortune 500 companies, cities, and nonprofit organizations as a consultant with Bain & Company, and serves as Associate Vice President of Strategy at Hampton University. He is married to Dr. Jamila Wynter, a gastroenterologist with Riverside Health, and they have one son.
Question #1: Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for re-election to build on the momentum we’ve created together over the past four years. We’ve made meaningful progress, and now it’s time to keep moving Newport News forward, building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous city. Together, we launched the Youth Career Program, earned Newport News its first-ever All-America City designation, brought televised work sessions to City Hall, helped our schools reach a 97% graduation rate while improving SOL scores, and created the Office of Community Safety. We’ve also helped drive a significant reduction in violent crime, with homicides reaching a 12-year low, and helped facilitate a $450 million Navy investment in Newport News. I’m running because I believe Newport News has tremendous potential, and I want to continue doing the hard work of turning that potential into opportunity for every resident. There is more to accomplish, and I’m ready to keep building on the progress we’ve made.
Question #2: Do campaign contributions influence how you vote on a particular issue?
No. My decisions on public policy are guided by what I believe is best for Newport News. All campaign contributions are publicly reported in accordance with finance requirements. Public trust and integrity must be the cornerstone of elected leadership.
Question #3: What is most important for you in the next four years?
The most important thing for me over the next four years is making sure every resident can live safely, afford to stay in Newport News, and have a path to opportunity. Public safety has been my top priority since taking office. Through strategic investments, we have reduced homicides significantly, achieving the city’s lowest homicide rate in 12 years. We’ve also made historic investments in our schools, with City Council approving a record $129 million for Newport News Public Schools to support teacher pay, a new middle school, and high school improvements. But our work is not finished. Over the next four years, we will continue reducing crime and building safer neighborhoods, expand housing opportunities for working families, create jobs and attract investment that strengthens our economy, expand access to quality early childhood education, support seniors and residents experiencing homelessness, and strengthen regional partnerships that drive growth and opportunity. Newport News is moving forward, but our work continues.
Question #4: What is your view on allowing data centers to be developed in the city?
Newport News does not currently have zoning regulations or policies that address data centers, nor do we have the available land to support a hyperscale data center. I support a one-year moratorium on data center proposals while we work to establish clear zoning policy. The Newport News Innovation Office is developing a Digital Infrastructure Readiness Plan to guide long-term planning for fiber networks, cybersecurity, and wireless systems. That planning should be done in coordination with York County, James City County, and the City of Hampton. Our communities share critical infrastructure, including Newport News Waterworks, and are closely connected, so we should develop these policies together rather than address them independently. This process should also include opportunities for public engagement to ensure any future policy reflects the priorities, concerns, and values of our communities…