News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | June 24, 2026
Local News
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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William “Bill” Coada- Charles City candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 2
Experience- Completing four-year term on county’s board of supervisors; 30-plus years of business experience. Reason for running- “We [board of supervisors] have done so many good things in the county and we have moved in a totally different direction. I believe that this county can continue to grow and I want to keep it going in this direction.” Why should people vote for you?- “What I have done in the last three-and-a-half years show and reflect my desire and what I do for this county. I believe in the vision that this county has to move forward and I believe…
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