Suffolk City Council Suffolk Borough · Nov 3, 2026
John T. Rector
Candidate for City Council Suffolk Borough (incumbent)
John T. Rector, the incumbent, is running for Suffolk City Council Suffolk Borough in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Tyron D. Riddick and Dwight S. "D.J." James.
Voter registration and mailed-ballot application deadline · Fri, Oct 23, 2026
Suffolk Borough council member since January 2023 and a former vice chair of the Suffolk Planning Commission. Previously served as vice president of Berkley Machine Works and Foundry.
- Campaign website
- johnforsuffolk.com
Where John T. Rector stands: positions on the record
Data centers3 sourced positions
As reported by WHRO; not a direct quote
Called for a pause on data centers in June 2026 so the city would not be caught off guard by an application before staff finished regulations.
Own statementWHRO · Jun 18, 2026
Moved to place on the June 17 agenda a motion asking the Planning Commission to amend the zoning ordinance to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts (approved 8-0, June 2026).
Council voteCity of Suffolk · Jun 3, 2026
Voted yes on asking the Planning Commission to draft a zoning amendment prohibiting data centers in all zoning districts (passed 7-0, June 2026).
Council voteCity of Suffolk · Jun 17, 2026
ICE facility1 sourced position
Answer to The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press candidate questionnaire
Says he sees no circumstance in which an ICE facility in Suffolk is a good thing, and that a conditional use permit for one would have a hard time being approved.
“First let me state that I do not see any circumstance where the introduction of any ICE facility into our city is a good thing.”
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
Farmland1 sourced position
Answer to The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press candidate questionnaire
Would support keeping growth in the comprehensive plan's growth areas, a farming and agritourism grant program, and a review of the minor subdivision ordinance.
“I will support our comprehensive plan to keep growth in those areas identified for future growth.”
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
Solar farms2 sourced positions
Answer to The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press candidate questionnaire
Says he will continue to oppose most solar farms.
“I will continue to oppose most solar farms.”
Own statementThe Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
Voted yes on the motion to deny a conditional use permit for a solar energy facility on Old Myrtle Road (motion passed 8-0, July 2026).
Council voteCity of Suffolk · Jul 15, 2026
Growth4 sourced positions
His campaign site says he will support a range of housing options so people who work in Suffolk can afford to live there.
“I will support a range of housing options so the people who work in Suffolk can afford to live in Suffolk and put down roots here.”
Own statementJohn Rector for City Council (campaign site)
Moved and voted yes on rezoning 494 Manning Road from agricultural to low-medium density residential (approved 6-2, January 2026).
Council voteCity of Suffolk · Jan 21, 2026
Voted yes on rezoning 400 Jonathans Way from rural residential to medium density residential (approved 7-1, May 2026).
Council voteCity of Suffolk · May 20, 2026
Voted yes on the motion to deny rezoning 1700 and 1802 North Main Street from general commercial to residential (motion passed 7-0, April 2026).
Council voteCity of Suffolk · Apr 15, 2026
Taxes2 sourced positions
His campaign site lists lower taxes and responsible spending as a priority and pledges to protect Suffolk's credit rating.
“Lower Taxes. Responsible Spending.”
Own statementJohn Rector for City Council (campaign site)
Voted yes on the FY 2026-2027 operating and capital budget and related tax ordinances (adopted 8-0, May 2026).
Council voteCity of Suffolk · May 6, 2026
Past candidacies1 sourced position
Ran for Suffolk City Council, Suffolk Borough in 2022 (won).
Own statementVirginia Department of Elections · Nov 8, 2022
What John T. Rector said vs. how John T. Rector voted
Solar farms
In their words
Says he will continue to oppose most solar farms.
Sep 22, 2026 ·Answer to The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press candidate questionnaire ·The Virginian-Pilot · Sep 22, 2026
On the record
Voted yes on the motion to deny a conditional use permit for a solar energy facility on Old Myrtle Road (motion passed 8-0, July 2026).
Jul 15, 2026 ·City of Suffolk · Jul 15, 2026
Growth
In their words
His campaign site says he will support a range of housing options so people who work in Suffolk can afford to live there.
On the record
Moved and voted yes on rezoning 494 Manning Road from agricultural to low-medium density residential (approved 6-2, January 2026).
Jan 21, 2026 ·City of Suffolk · Jan 21, 2026
Voted yes on the motion to deny rezoning 1700 and 1802 North Main Street from general commercial to residential (motion passed 7-0, April 2026).
Apr 15, 2026 ·City of Suffolk · Apr 15, 2026
Voted yes on rezoning 400 Jonathans Way from rural residential to medium density residential (approved 7-1, May 2026).
May 20, 2026 ·City of Suffolk · May 20, 2026
Taxes
In their words
His campaign site lists lower taxes and responsible spending as a priority and pledges to protect Suffolk's credit rating.
On the record
Voted yes on the FY 2026-2027 operating and capital budget and related tax ordinances (adopted 8-0, May 2026).
May 6, 2026 ·City of Suffolk · May 6, 2026
Also running for City Council Suffolk Borough
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