Newport News City Council Central District Seat B · Nov 3, 2026
Cleon M. Long
Candidate for City Council Central District Seat B (incumbent)
Cleon M. Long, the incumbent, is running for Newport News City Council Central District Seat B in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Andrea R. Diggs and Michael A. Gale.
Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.) · Fri, Oct 23, 2026
Engineer with Zachry Nuclear Engineering who was elected to the Central District seat in November 2022. Served on the Newport News Planning Commission from 2008 to 2016.
- Campaign website
- www.cleonlongforcitycouncil.com
Curtis D. Bethany III, John R. Eley III, Cleon M. Long, Clifton J. Atkins, Andrea R. Diggs, Michael A. Gale and Devon P. Hamilton answered six randomly selected resident questions at a September 2026 City Council candidate forum at Hilton Christian Church. The Virginian-Pilot · Sep 26, 2026
Where Cleon M. Long stands: positions on the record
Data centers1 sourced position
Would neither support nor oppose a data center without first reviewing the specific proposal; would hold public listening sessions on any proposal.
“I would not automatically support or oppose a data center without first reviewing the specific proposal.”
Own statementWAVY
Camp Morrison2 sourced positions
as reported by The Virginian-Pilot; not a direct quote
Said at a September 2026 forum that he would not support creating the Camp Morrison Community Development Authority, citing community feedback.
Forum answerThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 26, 2026
Voted yes to postpone the ordinance creating the Morrison Station Community Development Authority (passed 7-0, July 2026).
Council voteCity of Newport News · Jul 14, 2026
School sales tax1 sourced position
as reported by The Virginian-Pilot; not a direct quote
Said at a September 2026 forum that he supports the 1% sales tax for school construction.
Forum answerThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 26, 2026
Housing1 sourced position
Names housing affordability and aging neighborhoods as the biggest challenges; says increasing housing supply is key to affordability.
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
Collective bargaining2 sourced positions
Worked with the task force assigned to create the collective bargaining ordinance.
“Collaboration is the best process forward. This is an opportunity for our city employees to have a voice at the table,”
Own statementWHRO · Jul 16, 2026
Voted yes on the ordinance allowing collective bargaining for eligible city employees (adopted 7-0, July 2026).
Council voteCity of Newport News · Jul 14, 2026
Taxes1 sourced position
Voted yes on the ordinance keeping the real estate tax rate at $1.18 per $100 of assessed value for FY 2027 (adopted 7-0, May 2026).
Council voteCity of Newport News · May 12, 2026
Budget1 sourced position
Voted yes on the $1.27 billion FY 2027 operating budget (adopted 7-0, May 2026).
Council voteCity of Newport News · May 12, 2026
Development1 sourced position
Voted yes on the resolution supporting HomePort Hampton Roads 2, an approximately $450 million Navy housing and mixed-use project downtown, with $10 million in city support (passed 7-0, July 2026).
Council voteCity of Newport News · Jul 14, 2026
Council pay1 sourced position
Voted yes on raising the mayor's salary from $27,000 to $51,000 and council members' from $25,000 to $47,000, effective July 2025 (adopted 6-1, July 2024).
Council voteCity of Newport News · Jul 2, 2024
Housing and zoning1 sourced position
Voted yes on rezoning 628 and 634 Old Fort Eustis Boulevard for an apartment community of up to 120 units, which the Planning Commission recommended denying (failed 3-4, Feb. 2025).
Council voteCity of Newport News · Feb 25, 2025
Stormwater1 sourced position
Voted no on a new policy for privately owned man-made lakes that repealed the Lake Enhancement Program policy (adopted 5-2, June 2026).
Council voteCity of Newport News · Jun 9, 2026
Firearms1 sourced position
Voted yes on banning firearms in city buildings and city recreation and community centers, with exceptions for law enforcement and others (adopted 6-1, Nov. 2024).
Council voteCity of Newport News · Nov 26, 2024
Land use1 sourced position
Voted yes on a permit for a gas station with a convenience store at 12833 and part of 12835 Jefferson Avenue for SKS Holdings (adopted 4-3, Feb. 2023).
Council voteCity of Newport News · Feb 14, 2023
Past candidacies1 sourced position
Ran for Newport News City Council, Central District in 2022 (won).
Own statementVirginia Department of Elections · Nov 15, 2022
Also running for City Council Central District Seat B
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