By Neely Media Staff | September 2026
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Poll Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Polling Place Lookup: voter.virginiabeach.gov
Virginia Beach voters are heading into a high-interest fall season, with both federal and local races bringing community issues back into focus.
The VA-02 congressional race between Jen Kiggans and Elaine Luria is drawing regional attention, while the District 8 City Council race between Stacy Cummings and Chris Taylor keeps local questions front and center. Public safety, neighborhood priorities, affordability, city growth, business concerns, and community trust are all part of the conversation this election season.
For many residents, campaign season is not just about signs, slogans, or party labels. It is about whether the people running understand the everyday concerns of Hampton Roads families, workers, veterans, business owners, and neighborhoods.
A Federal Race With Local Consequences
The congressional race has national attention, but its impact reaches local homes. Virginia’s 2nd District includes communities with deep ties to the military, veterans, federal workers, coastal neighborhoods, small businesses, and working families.
Kiggans is running as the incumbent, pointing to her work in Congress and her background as a Navy veteran, nurse practitioner, and public servant. Luria is campaigning to return to the seat she once held, also bringing a Navy background and a message focused on accountability, health care, government transparency, and national security.
That is what makes this race different from a first-time matchup. Voters are not only listening to promises. They have records to compare, decisions to look back on, and a clearer sense of what each candidate says they would prioritize.
District 8 Brings the Focus Back Home
At the same time, the District 8 City Council race reminds voters that local government decisions often affect daily life the most. City Council helps shape public safety, development, taxes, neighborhood investment, business conditions, and how residents feel heard when concerns are raised.
Stacy Cummings currently represents District 8 on City Council after being elected in a 2024 special election. His background includes business leadership, military police service in the U.S. Army, CPA experience, and civic involvement. Chris Taylor is challenging him with a campaign message centered on public safety, education, public health, small business support, economic development, and community engagement.
These are not abstract campaign topics. They are the things residents talk about at the grocery store, at church, at school events, in business meetings, and around the dinner table.
As Election Day approaches, Neely Media encourages residents to look beyond campaign ads. Read candidate platforms, attend forums when possible, check your district, and ask direct questions about the issues affecting your home, business, school, and neighborhood.
Campaign season should not only be about who wants the job. It should also be about whether the people running are listening to the community they hope to serve.
“Your vote is your voice, but your questions are part of the process too.”
