Portsmouth City Council · Nov 3, 2026
Mark M. Whitaker
Candidate for City Council
Mark M. Whitaker 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
Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church and a former Hampton University associate professor. Served on Portsmouth City Council in 2015-18 and 2020-24 and on the School Board from 2002 to 2014.
- Campaign website
- www.markwhitaker4citycouncil.com
Lisa L. Lucas-Burke and Mark M. Whitaker are former council members who held seats until 2024. The Virginian-Pilot · Oct 1, 2026
At the Sept. 30, 2026 forum, Mark M. Whitaker did not indicate support or opposition on the 1% school sales tax question. The Virginian-Pilot · Oct 1, 2026
Where Mark M. Whitaker stands: positions on the record
Waterfront1 sourced position
Says Portsmouth does not need to give developers tax incentives or subsidies and that waterfront demolition should be part of the developer's costs.
“Portsmouth does not need to provide tax incentives or subsidies to developers.”
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
Economic development2 sourced positions
as reported by The Virginian-Pilot; not a direct quote
Expressed skepticism of incentives for developers or businesses that don't need them and criticized using taxpayer dollars to demolish downtown buildings.
Forum answerThe Virginian-Pilot · Oct 1, 2026
Said council policies should not favor certain businesses.
“We need to make sure that our policies as a City Council does not favor certain businesses”
Forum answerThe Virginian-Pilot · Oct 1, 2026
Taxes1 sourced position
Says he favors lowering the real estate tax rate.
“I am in favor of lowering the real estate tax rate”
Own statementWAVY · Sep 15, 2026
Collective bargaining1 sourced position
Voted no on the resolution allowing city employees to bargain collectively (approved 4-2, November 2023).
Council voteThe Virginian-Pilot · Nov 15, 2023
Past candidacies1 sourced position
Ran for Portsmouth City Council in 2024 (lost).
Own statementVirginia Department of Elections
Also running for City Council
- Mark A. Hugel (incumbent)
- Lisa L. Lucas-Burke
- William E. "Bill" Moody, Jr. (incumbent)
- Vernon Lamont Tillage, Jr. (incumbent)
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