2020 Virginia Beach mayoral election

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Virginia Beach mayoral election, 2020
Flag of Virginia Beach, Virginia.png
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Nominee Bobby Dyer Jody Wagner Richard W. “RK” Kowalewitch
Party nonpartisan nonpartisan nonpartisan
Popular vote 113,567 96,400 9,570
Percentage 51.64 43.83 4.35
Mayor before election

Bobby Dyer
nonpartisan

Elected Mayor

Bobby Dyer
nonpartisan

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The Virginia Beach mayoral election of 2020 took place on November 3, 2020. Voters elected the next Mayor of Virginia Beach, which has a council-manager system of government. The mayor presides over city council meetings and serves as the ceremonial head and spokesperson of the city. The mayor is elected to a four-year term through direct election and the office has no term limits. The mayoral election occurred simultaneously with the election of four seats on the city council. These elections were nonpartisan, as are all municipal elections in Virginia Beach.

The election saw incumbent mayor Bobby Dyer face challengers Jody Wagner, the former Virginia Secretary of Finance and Virginia State Treasurer, and Richard "RK" Kowalewitch, a local businessman. Dyer defeated Wagner and was reelected to a second term by a margin of 51.64% to her 43.83%.

Background[]

On February 27, 2020, city council member Aaron Rouse announced his intention to seek the office. When reached by The Virginian-Pilot for comment on the announcement, Bobby Dyer confirmed that he would be seeking re-election.[1] On May 30, 2020, Rouse announced that he was dropping out of the race citing the coronavirus pandemic as the reason for ending his campaign.[2] On June 9, 2020, former Virginia Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner announced that she would challenge Dyer in the upcoming election.[3] On June 12, 2020, businessman Richard W. "RK" Kowalewitch announced that he would also challenge Dyer.[4]

On October 8, 2020, the Virginia Beach Forum conducted a series of interviews with Dyer, Wagner, and Kowalewitch.[5]

On November 4, 2020, results confirmed that Dyer had won the election and been reelected to a second term.[6] That morning, Wagner conceded to Dyer saying in a statement that they "both agreed that what our city needs right now is unity, and I look forward to working with him to move our city forward and address the critical challenges we face. While I am disappointed in the outcome of the election, I am incredibly grateful for the support from friends, family, and our entire community."[7]

Candidates[]

Candidate Experience Logo Campaign announced Party
(Officially nonpartisan) 		References

Bobby Dyer

Mayor of Virginia Beach
(2018–present)

Virginia Beach City Council Member
(2004–2018)

BobbyDyer2020Logo.png

(Website)

February 27, 2020 Republican [1][8]

Jody Wagner

Virginia Secretary of Finance
(2006–2008)

Virginia State Treasurer
(2002–2006)

JodyWagner2020Logo.png

(Website)

June 9, 2020 Democratic [3][8]

Richard "RK" Kowalewitch

Businessman RK2020Logo.png June 12, 2020 Republican [4][8]

Withdrew before the election[]

Candidate Experience Logo Campaign announced Campaign suspended Party
(Officially nonpartisan) 		References

Aaron Rouse

Virginia Beach City Council Member (2019–present) Rouse2020Logo.png

(Website)

February 27, 2020 May 30, 2020 Democratic [1][2]

Endorsements[]

Bobby Dyer
Governors
  • Bob McDonnell, Governor of Virginia (2010-2014)[9]
State legislators
Local officials
Organizations
  • African American Political Action Council (AA PAC)[19]
  • Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association[11]
  • Hampton Roads Black Caucus[11][20]
  • Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce[21]
  • Hampton Roads Realtors Association[22]
  • Republican Party of Virginia Beach[23]
  • Virginia Beach Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 8[11]
  • Virginia Beach Hospitality PAC[11]
  • Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association, Local 34[24]
  • Virginia Beach Professional Firefighters Local 2924[25]
  • Virginia Beach Young Republicans[26]
Jody Wagner
U.S. Senators
  • Mark Warner, U.S. Senator from Virginia (2009-present)[27]
  • Tim Kaine, U.S. Senator from Virginia (2013-present)[28]
U.S. Representatives
  • Elaine Luria, U.S. Representative from VA-02 (2019-present)[29]
  • Bobby Scott, U.S. Representative from VA-03 (1993-present)[30]
Governors
  • Ralph Northam, Governor of Virginia (2018-present)[31]
Attorneys General
State legislators
Local officials
  • Aaron Rouse, Member of the Virginia Beach City Council, At Large (2019-present)[40]
  • Guy Tower, Member of the Virginia Beach City Council, Beach District (2019-present)[41]
  • Dorothy Holtz, Member of the Virginia Beach School Board, At Large (2011-present)[30]
  • Beverly Anderson, Member of the Virginia Beach School Board, At Large (2013-present)[30]
  • Sharon Felton, Member of the Virginia Beach School Board, Beach District (2015-present)[30]
  • Phillip Kellam, Commissioner of the Revenue for Virginia Beach (1998-present)[38]
  • John Bell, retired Deputy Chief of the Virginia Beach Police Department[33]
  • Tony Bell, retired Captain in the Virginia Beach Police Department[33]
  • Frank LaPorte, retired Captain in the Virginia Beach Police Department and former president of the Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association[39]
  • Andria McClellan, Member of the Norfolk City Council, Super Ward 6 (2016-present)[42]
Individuals
  • L.D. Britt, Brickhouse Professor of Surgery at the Eastern Virginia Medical School[38]
  • Harry Lester, former chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (2016-2019), former president of Eastern Virginia Medical School (2005-2013)[15]
  • John Malbon, president and CEO of PAPCO Inc.[15]
  • Dubby Wynne, former CEO of Landmark Communications, Inc.[15]
  • Mike Powers, co-host of "The Mike Powers & Woo Woo Show", a local radio show on 94.9 The Point[43]
  • Mary Katherine "Woo Woo" Wood, co-host of "The Mike Powers & Woo Woo Show", a local radio show on 94.9 The Point[43]
Organizations
  • Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 110[44]
  • Virginia Beach Democratic Committee[45]
  • Virginia Beach Education Association - Political Action Committee of Educators (VBEA-PACE)[46]

Results[]

Virginia Beach's mayoral election, 2020[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
nonpartisan Bobby Dyer 113,567 51.64
nonpartisan Jody Wagner 96,400 43.83
nonpartisan Richard W. "RK" Kowalewitch 9,570 4.35
Write-in 387 0.18
Total votes 219,924 100

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Skelton, Alissa (February 27, 2020). "Virginia Beach Councilman Aaron Rouse to run for mayor". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Kennedy, Sean (May 30, 2020). "Virginia Beach Councilman Aaron Rouse drops out of mayoral race". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Skelton, Alissa (June 9, 2020). "Former state finance secretary, treasurer will run for Virginia Beach mayor". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Brailer, Nicole (June 12, 2020). "Kowalewitch to run for Virginia Beach Mayor in November election". WAVY-TV. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  5. ^ Eller, Jayna (September 22, 2020). "Interviews with Virginia Beach Candidates for Mayor in 2020". Virginia Beach Forum. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  6. ^ Skelton, Alissa (November 4, 2020). "Virginia Beach mayor: Incumbents' victories are evidence of public's satisfaction with the council". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  7. ^ Wagner, Jody (November 4, 2020). "Jody Wagner Concession". Facebook. Archived from the original on November 5, 2020. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  8. ^ a b c Skelton, Alissa (October 9, 2020). "3 candidates are running for Virginia Beach mayor. Partisanship is leaking into the non-partisan race". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  9. ^ Dyer, Bobby (October 14, 2020). "THANK YOU to everyone who came out to our event tonight at the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club! I'm grateful for the kind words of support from Wendy Gade, Governor Bob McDonnell, Mayor Will Sessoms, Delegate Jason Miyares, and my good friend Taylor Franklin. I am deeply humbled by all the support and honored to serve as your Mayor!". Facebook. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  10. ^ Dyer, Bobby (September 24, 2020). "Sen. Jen Kiggans Endorses Mayor Bobby Dyer". Facebook. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Endorsements – Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer". Bobby Dyer For Mayor. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  12. ^ Dyer, Bobby (September 18, 2020). "Del. Barry Knight endorses Mayor Bobby Dyer". Facebook. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  13. ^ Dyer, Bobby (October 6, 2020). "Del. Glenn Davis "Re-elect Mayor Bobby Dyer"". Facebook. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  14. ^ "Former Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms endorses Bobby Dyer". WVEC. October 1, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  15. ^ a b c d "Letters for Oct. 11: Virginia Beach vice mayor endorses Mayor Bobby Dyer". The Virginian-Pilot. October 10, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  16. ^ Stolle, Ken (October 4, 2020). "I am proud to stand with #VirginiaBeach Mayor @BobbyDyerVB just as he has stood with our men and women in #lawenforcement and worked to keep Virginia Beach a safe, prosperous and welcoming city. #vote". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  17. ^ Dyer, Bobby (September 29, 2020). "Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle: "The law enforcement community has faced many challenges over the last few years. Through each one, Bobby Dyer has stood there with us working to keep VB safe. I am proud to call him my Mayor and hope you will join me in voting for him."". Twitter. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  18. ^ Dyer, Bobby (September 28, 2020). ""Bobby Dyer has been a strong and ethical leader through some very rough times in Virginia Beach. He's been a Mayor for all people and has served with integrity. Most of all, he is a good friend and a good person and we need to keep him as our Mayor." Tina Sinnen, Clerk of Court". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  19. ^ Dyer, Bobby (October 20, 2020). "Virginia Beach African American Political Action Council (AA PAC) ENDORSES Mayor Bobby Dyer. "Mayor Dyer has faced a series of challenges that clearly no other Virginia Beach Mayor has had to face in the partial term he has held for the past two years. He has fully supported the Virginia African American Cultural Center. His challengers, an accomplished businessperson and a distinguished former state public official, have admirable credentials but this is a non-partisan race and we feel Mr. Dyer, with the selection of a new city manager, the first African American to hold that position, and a new police chief on his watch, has earned election to a full term of his own."". Facebook. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  20. ^ "2020 Endorsements – Hampton Roads Black Caucus". Hampton Roads Black Caucus. October 16, 2020. Archived from the original on October 18, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  21. ^ Rice, Holly (October 6, 2020). "Hampton Roads Chamber | Means Business". Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  22. ^ Dyer, Bobby (October 16, 2020). "Safe neighborhoods, great schools, economic growth and jobs. Thank you to the Realtors for their strong support for my re-election as your Mayor". Facebook. Archived from the original on October 19, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  23. ^ "Notebook: Virginia Beach GOP backs candidates in nonpartisan local races; Wagner has fundraising edge in mayor's race". The Princess Anne Independent News. September 30, 2020. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  24. ^ Dyer, Bobby (September 27, 2020). "Thank you Police Benevolent Association for your service and your support!". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  25. ^ "Notebook: The right (official) contacts for voting; online nonsense about the Postal Service; some endorsements". The Princess Anne Independent News. September 30, 2020. Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  26. ^ "Our Chairman Yusuf Tejada and Vice Chair @PeterAFinocchio are hitting the streets hard today for @gadeforvirginia, Mayor @BobbyDyerVB, and our local slate! Doing everything we can to elect our great Republican candidates up and down the ballot! #SaturdaysAreForTheDoors". Twitter. September 26, 2020. Archived from the original on September 26, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  27. ^ Wagner, Jody (September 10, 2020). "Serving as the Treasurer of Virginia under then-Governor @MarkWarnerVA was one of the most meaningful opportunities I have had in my life. I am so grateful to have his support for our campaign! Go to iwillvote.com and request your ballot today!". Twitter. Archived from the original on September 10, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  28. ^ Wagner, Jody (September 17, 2020). "Tim Kaine endorses Jody Wagner for Mayor • GOTV". YouTube. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  29. ^ Wagner, Jody (September 14, 2020). "Every day, I am proud to be represented by @ElaineLuriaVA in Congress. Today, I am thrilled to announce her endorsement of my campaign for VB Mayor! I look forward to working with her each and every day to make Virginia Beach the very best city it can be for every resident!". Twitter. Archived from the original on September 14, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  30. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Creed, Wayne (October 11, 2020). "Across the Bay: VB Mayor Race Heats up as Aaron Rouse to Endorse Jody Wagner". Cape Charles Mirror. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  31. ^ Northam, Ralph (September 17, 2020). "Honored to be with @jodywagner and endorse her campaign for Virginia Beach Mayor. Don't forget early voting starts tomorrow". Twitter. Archived from the original on September 17, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  32. ^ Filler-Corn, Eileen (June 10, 2020). "I am proud to endorse my friend Jody Wagner to be the next Mayor of Virginia Beach! Virginia Finance Secretary, State Treasurer, successful local business owner and compassionate community leader -- Jody will make an incredible Mayor. All in". Twitter. Archived from the original on June 10, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  33. ^ a b c Wagner, Jody (August 10, 2020). "I am proud to announce my Health & Public Safety Task Force, one of four task forces we are creating to guide my campaign on critical issues facing our City. I am grateful to have the support of these incredible leaders, and looking forward to what we can accomplish, together". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  34. ^ a b c d e f "Letters for Oct. 20: Virtual school isn't the best option for everyone". The Virginian-Pilot. October 19, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  35. ^ Covirs-Fowler, Kelly (August 31, 2020). "I'm looking forward to voting for Jody Wagner for Mayor! She has the track record and experience to effectively lead the largest city in our Commonwealth in a time that requires true leadership. #TeamJody". Facebook. Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  36. ^ Wagner, Jody (September 21, 2020). "Thank you, @nancyguyva, for hosting a wonderful meet-and-greet with voters in the 83rd district and across Virginia Beach! Want to host your own Zoom meet and greet with friends and neighbors? DM me!". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  37. ^ Wagner, Jody (September 18, 2020). "Thank you Delegate Alex Askew for joining me to meet some of Virginia Beach's earliest voters this morning. I'm very encouraged by the number of voters who turned out today! This year is the first year you can vote early without an excuse. I hope to earn your vote and I look forward to seeing you at polls!". Facebook. Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  38. ^ a b c d "Jody Wagner for Mayor Task Forces". Jody Wagner for Mayor. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  39. ^ a b "Letters for Nov. 1: Jody Wagner is for police and community, former officers say". The Virginian-Pilot. October 31, 2020. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  40. ^ Wagner, Jody (October 11, 2020). "Our city is at a crossroads and we need a leader in local government who can build a coalition on Council to fight for working families and businesses. @AaronRouseVaBch has been a champion for our citizens since he was elected in 2018 and I'm so proud to have his support". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  41. ^ "Letters for Oct. 5: Beach councilman endorses Jody Wagner for mayor". The Virginian-Pilot. October 5, 2020. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  42. ^ McClellan, Andria (October 17, 2020). "Great to be back in my hometown of VA Beach to help my good friend @jodywagner for VB Mayor!! The largest city in VA deserves the best leadership. Former Secty of Fin, State Treasurer, small bus. owner, Jody is the real deal. VB -> VOTE for Jody! #jodyformayor #a4va". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 18, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  43. ^ a b Wagner, Jody (October 19, 2020). "Whiskey or not, I'm honored to have your endorsement!