Phillip D. Jones

Supports a one-year ban on data center proposals while the city writes a zoning policy with Hampton; says the city has no land for a commercial data center.

“I support a one-year ban until we develop a zoning policy in conjunction with the city of Hampton.”

Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026 ↗

Says renovating and modernizing the public school system would be a top priority of a second term.

“The goal of the second term is, how can we renovate and modernize our public school system?”

Own statement13News Now ↗

Says public safety has been his top priority, citing the city's lowest homicide rate in 12 years.

“Public safety has been my top priority since taking office.”

Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026 ↗

Spoke in support of the collective bargaining ordinance before the council adopted it in July 2026.

“It’s a fundamental right and a moral obligation to ensure people have their right to collectively bargain,”

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 ↗

Says Newport News is working with Hampton on a "twin-city" tourism plan that markets the two cities as one destination.

Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026 ↗

as reported by The Virginian-Pilot; not a direct quote

Said every sitting member of the City Council has endorsed him.

Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Jul 6, 2026 ↗

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 ↗

Voted yes on the $1.27 billion FY 2027 operating budget (adopted 7-0, May 2026).

Council voteCity of Newport News · May 12, 2026 ↗

Voted yes to postpone the ordinance creating the Morrison Station Community Development Authority, a motion that cited the need for more community input (passed 7-0, July 2026).

Council voteCity of Newport News · Jul 14, 2026 ↗

Voted yes on the resolution asking voters whether the city may levy an extra sales tax of up to 1% for school construction; this put the question on the ballot (passed 7-0, July 2026).

Council voteCity of Newport News · Jul 14, 2026 ↗

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 ↗

Voted no 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 ↗

Voted no 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 ↗

Voted yes 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 ↗

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 ↗

Voted no 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 ↗

Ran for Mayor of Newport News in 2022 (won).

Own statementVirginia Department of Elections · Nov 15, 2022 ↗