News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 2, 2026
Local News
Martha “Mag” Harris- Charles City candidate for School Board, District 3
Experience- Completing four-year term on Charles City school board; currently involved in school activities. Reason for running- “I have a vested interest in the children. The previous graduating classes of 2014 and 2015 were phenomenal and I want to continue to make strides in that direction. These students are like my babies who I have seen grow up and I want to continue to see them to grown and make sure that they understand that an education from Charles City schools is just as good as an education from any other school.” Why should people vote for you?- “I have…
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Javier Smith- Charles City candidate for Sheriff
Experience- Eighteen years in sheriff’s department, all in Charles City; completing eighth year as sheriff of Charles City. Reason for running- “I felt like we [sheriff’s department] accomplished a lot in the last eight years. I want to bring more to the table including community policing, more public safety, and a presence inside schools.” Why should people vote for you?- “I think I’ve proven to the community what I can do and I have made great strides forward. I believe I am the best candidate, have the experience and resources, and my relationships with other jurisdictions have helped make our…
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Herbert J. Johnson- Charles City candidate for School Board, District 2
Experience- Attendee of regular school board meetings as parent and community member; involved in Charles City school activities including escorting ban on trips and parades for the last 20 years. Reason for running- “I want to bridge the gap between parents, students, and the community at large. I believe interacting with the community is key to the growth of our school system.” Why should people vote for you?- “My experience, public knowledge, and involvement with schools since 1992 has helped me understand the workings of the school. I want to use that knowledge to help and watch our schools grow.”
Helen Payne-Jones- Charles City candidate for School Board, District 1
Experience- Completing four-year term on Charles City school board; served two years as chairwoman. Reason for running- “I am continuing to learn the education process and why it’s done. The first two years were a learning curve while the last two years have been more thorough. We [school board] have an exceptional plan and I want to see the process through.” Why should people vote for you?- “I was asked to represent District 1 four years ago and I believe that I have been successful in my duties as a representative. I want to continue those duties not only to…
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Gilbert Smith- Charles City candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 1
Experience- Completing four-year term on county’s board of supervisors; has served on Board of Supervisors since 1991. Forty-one years on planning commission and liaison to several regional organizations. Reason for running- “I have had support of citizens to be a voice for them. I enjoy what I’m doing and I enjoy representing citizens of the county and District 1.” Why should people vote for you?- “From the experience I have, I have listened to individuals about their concerns. I am a people person and will work and do my best to continue to make decisions that’s best for the citizens…
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Floyd Miles Sr.- Charles City candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 3
Experience- Completing 14th year on county’s board of supervisors; four years as representative of the 74th District in Virginia House of Delegates. Reason for running- “We have progressed more in the last four years than all of my previous times on the board. I have a lot of unfinished business in the county that I want to see completed. I want to continue to represent the citizens of District 3 and address needs of the county, particularly fire and EMS services.” Why should people vote for you?- “I’m not a one item or one issue person. I listen to all…
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Ed Branch- Charles City candidate for Sheriff
Experience- Three years of law enforcement experience; 28 years of managing budgets, facilities, people, payroll, and scheduling. Reason for running- “I have a vision for the sheriff’s department and want to bring godly and moral conduct in the sheriff’s office. I want to make sure that the sheriff’s office display those qualities when working with citizens.” Why should people vote for you?- “I know how to serve the people of the county because of Jesus Christ. He taught us how to serve and I believe that the first goal of the sheriff’s office is to serve the citizens of Charles…
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E. Preston Adkins- Charles City candidate for School Board, At-large
Experience- Completing four-year term on Charles City’s school board; has served eight years in total. Attendee of educational conferences for school improvement. Reason for running- “Several people have asked me to do it again. I wasn’t planning but people are liking the job that I’m doing for the kids and the community.” Why should people vote for you?- “I want to make sure parents, employees, and students are content and satisfied with what I am doing for the schools. I also want them to know that they have someone they can approach with their concerns.”
Denise Burrell Smith- Charles City candidate for Commissioner of Revenue
Experience- Thirty-plus years of experience serving as Charles City’s Commissioner of Revenue. Reason for running- “I want to continue to serve and help the people. I love what I do and want to continue to provide for the citizens of the county.” Why should people vote for you?- “I’m totally committed to the community, the citizens, and Charles City County. I will continue to represent and fulfill my duties as Commissioner of Revenue.”
David Ledbetter- Charles City candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 3
Experience- Served on volunteer boards of government; chaired Charles City’s Board of Equalization and CTE Advisory Council. Thirty-three years as lawyer, including six years representing U.S. Department of Justice. Reason for running- “I like to serve and give back to the community. I believe I can provide an effective leadership to addressing issues facing the county. I want to continue to support several areas of the county including local schools.” Why should people vote for you?- “I’m very qualified for the position. I will listen and do my best to keep the public informed about county government and continue to…
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