Build community safety with proven, experienced leadership.
In court, experience matters. Keep scrolling to learn more about what’s at stake for Newport News on June 17 and why Re-Electing Howard Gwynn for Commonwealth’s Attorney is the right choice.
When you’re ready to pledge your vote, you’ll have the option to get a free yard sign delivered, and send a message of support that I will personally receive.
Faith, Family, and Community
I was born here. My father worked in the shipyard. Vickie and I raised two daughters who graduated from Newport News Public Schools. I’ve led challenging prosecutions, built diversion programs that change lives, and supervised a team of 75 professionals committed to justice.
But I’m also a father—and when I prosecute child abuse or violent crime, I don’t just bring skill. I bring the heart of a parent who knows what it means to fight for your child’s safety.
Community Safety & Rehabilitation
A few 2024 accomplishments:
It’s not one or the other. Strong communities are safe, but also offer second chances and fair outcomes. Effective justice means both holding offenders accountable and offering paths to a better future.
cases involving weapons prosecuted
people in addiction treatment instead of jail
Murderers sentenced to Life in prison
entered mental health treatment instead of jail
in grant funds awarded to prosecute firearm crimes
collective Years in prison for sexual assaults
Fighting for Crime Survivors
I’ve been fighting for the survivors of crime like Avis Dukes for forty years. The endorsements of victims and survivors mean the world to me.
A Commonwealth’s Attorney is the one lawyer whose only client is the people. My client is you—every family, every victim, every citizen of Newport News.
I bring the heart of a parent who knows what it means to fight for your child’s safety. This election isn’t about politics. It’s about trust. If your family’s safety were on the line, who would you want speaking for you in court?
A few of the endorsements I've received
Howard Gwynn has the experience we need.
We must have experience and knowledge to ensure fair outcomes for the people of our City. That’s why I support Howard for re-election.
When I know Howard Gwynn is leading in my City, I feel comfortable raising my family here. And that is why I support him for re-election.
Howard is a man of integrity, always doing the right thing for Newport News. I wholeheartedly support him for re-election, and I encourage you to do the same.
Howard is an inspiration and mentor to so many, always taking the time to engage with my office, and support our work. He has my full support for re-election.
Howard fights for victims but treats every defendant as an individual, extending grace & second chances when appropriate. I'm proud to endorse him for re-election.
Howard is committed to restoring public trust in the criminal justice system, and he is a proven leader. Newport News is fortunate to have him fighting for public safety.
Howard has the grit, the experience, the integrity and the love for the people of Newport News. I'm proud to endorse him for re-election as Commonwealth's Attorney.
Commonwealth's Attorneys represent every member of our community. Howard understands this better than most. I am proud to endorse him.
Which lawyer would you hire to represent you?
The Commonwealth’s Attorney is the only lawyer in the criminal justice system whose client is you, the public.
If your family’s safety were on the line, which lawyer would you want representing you?
Howard Gwynn
Howard's Opponent
First-degree murder trials led
Dozens
Zero
Total number of felony jury trials led
Hundreds
Fewer than 10
Total years practicing criminal law
40 years
~5 years
Number of different jobs held since 2013
One
At least five
Number of attorneys mentored and trained who later became judges.
Fifteen
Zero
Experience as a supervisor of other attorneys, or making personnel decisions for 75 employees
2024 state award for improving the criminal justice system in Virginia
Prosecuted some of the most complex cases to have ever been tried in Virginia
Born and raised in Newport News, and raised kids in our public schools
Created diversion programs for mental health treatment
Created diversion programs for substance abuse treatment
Created victim support initiatives and a victim advocate team.
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