Portsmouth City Council · Nov 3, 2026
Lisa L. Lucas-Burke
Candidate for City Council
Lisa L. Lucas-Burke is running for Portsmouth City Council in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 5 candidates are running for 3 seats.
Last day of early in-person voting · Sat, Oct 31, 2026
Executive director of Lucas Lodge LLC and a Portsmouth City Council member from 2016 to 2024. Served as vice mayor in 2019-2020 and 2023-24 and is a former chair of the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority.
- Endorsed by
- Senator Louise Lucas; Delegate Cliff Hayes; Commonwealth's Attorney Stephanie Morales Lisa Lucas-Burke campaign site
- Campaign website
- lisaforportsmouth.com
Lisa L. Lucas-Burke and Mark M. Whitaker are former council members who held seats until 2024. The Virginian-Pilot · Oct 1, 2026
Where Lisa L. Lucas-Burke stands: positions on the record
Housing1 sourced position
Names affordable housing as the biggest problem for residents and wants options for first-time homeowners, young professionals, seniors and the workforce.
“I believe that affordable housing is the biggest problem for Portsmouth residents today.”
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
School sales tax1 sourced position
as reported by The Virginian-Pilot; not a direct quote
Signaled support for the proposed 1% sales tax for school infrastructure when candidates were asked for a yes or no answer at the Sept. 30 forum.
Forum answerThe Virginian-Pilot · Oct 1, 2026
Taxes2 sourced positions
Says casino revenues should be used to help lower real estate taxes in the city.
“I believe that casino revenues should be used to help lower real estate taxes within the city for which it resides.”
Own statementWAVY · Sep 15, 2026
Would like tax incentives for educators, fire and police, and tax breaks for residents who have lived in the city 10-plus years.
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
Collective bargaining1 sourced position
As vice mayor in November 2023, spoke in support of the resolution allowing city employees to bargain collectively.
“If there had not been a union or if there had not been a force to come forth, where would we be?”
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Nov 15, 2023
Waterfront1 sourced position
Wants the waterfront plan to include small, minority- and women-owned businesses, diverse housing and public spaces, connecting downtown to the water with mixed-use development.
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
City manager1 sourced position
As vice mayor in March 2024, backed appointing Steven Carter as city manager.
“It’s about getting the right person to move our city in the right direction”
Own statementWAVY · Mar 18, 2024
Past candidacies1 sourced position
Ran for Mayor of Portsmouth in 2024 (lost).
Own statementVirginia Department of Elections
Also running for City Council
- Mark A. Hugel (incumbent)
- William E. "Bill" Moody, Jr. (incumbent)
- Vernon Lamont Tillage, Jr. (incumbent)
- Mark M. Whitaker
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