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Newport News City Commonwealth's Attorney-Democratic Primary

A Newport News City Commonwealth s Attorney serves a four year term. The Attorney for the Commonwealth is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and part of the department of law enforcement of the city. https://www.vaprosecutors.org/about-usOnly the Democratic Party is using the Primary process to select its candidate for this office.Campaign Finance details: https://www.vpap.org/localities/newport-news-city-va/elections/

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  • Candidate picture

    Howard E. Gwynn
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Shannon M. Jones
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What are the most important challenges facing our area and how do you propose to address them?

contactemailmail team@howardgwynn.com
Phone 757-501-3161
Family Vickie and I raised two daughters who graduated from Newport News Public Schools.
education Philosophy with Honors, Dartmouth College & Juris Doctorate, University of Michigan
experience Starting as an assistant prosecutor, I spent 8 years serving Newport News before being elected Commonwealth's Attorney. For over 40 years I have led the Commonwealth's Attorney's office, now with a team of over 75 professionals.
Violent crime is the most important challenge to address. I’ve sat at kitchen tables with families whose loved ones were stolen by gunfire—and their grief fuels every decision I make. We must keep the violent criminals off our streets through fair & effective prosecution, and for that experience matters.

I support youth programs that steer kids toward hope instead of handguns. But a basketball league is only safe if yesterday’s shooter is behind bars today. And that requires experienced leadership in your Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Both prevention and accountability matter.

Every citizen deserves to feel safe—and under my leadership, that’s exactly what we’ll fight for every day.
education Howard University School of Law
experience Former Philadelphia and Newport News prosecutor, currently Assistant City Attorney representing police and fire departments
One of the most pressing challenges in our community is the breakdown in trust between the community and the justice system, especially in neighborhoods that have long felt unheard or neglected. As the first woman to run for this office, I’m not here to maintain the status quo—I’m running to transform it. I’ll prioritize transparency, expand diversion and rehabilitation programs, and strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, schools, and local organizations already working to prevent crime. By focusing on youth intervention, victim support, and accountability, we can create a system that’s both fair and effective. Real justice means everyone has a voice and a path to opportunity.