Jake Preston Holmes
Candidate for Bristol City Council
Background
- Occupation
- External affairs manager, Appalachian Power
Member of Bristol City Council since his 2022 election and mayor since January 2026. External affairs manager for Appalachian Power and formerly legislative director to Delegate Israel O'Quinn for over a decade.
Photo: Candidate-submitted photo — Cardinal News voter guide
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Supports a host-city fee from casino gaming revenue.
ReportCardinal News 2026 Virginia Voter Guide candidate questionnaire: City of Bristol (ElectUp data feed)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“there should absolutely be a host city fee of some sort”
Public safety
Supports reviewing first responder pay and staffing levels.
ReportCardinal News 2026 Virginia Voter Guide candidate questionnaire: City of Bristol (ElectUp data feed)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“our first responders (staff pay and staffing levels need to be looked at)”
Education
Supports letting voters decide a 1% school construction sales tax.
ReportCardinal News 2026 Virginia Voter Guide candidate questionnaire: City of Bristol (ElectUp data feed)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“I am very open to putting this before our citizens to get their opinion on it.”
Housing
Supports zoning rules that make building housing easier.
ReportCardinal News 2026 Virginia Voter Guide candidate questionnaire: City of Bristol (ElectUp data feed)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“we can work to ensure that zoning ordinances and regulations are conducive to building”
Supports hiring another code enforcement officer for housing upkeep.
ReportCardinal News 2026 Virginia Voter Guide candidate questionnaire: City of Bristol (ElectUp data feed)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“We are in the process of hiring an additional code enforcement officer to help with code enforcement as well”
Economy & jobs
Supports economic development and tourism to grow city revenue.
ReportCardinal News 2026 Virginia Voter Guide candidate questionnaire: City of Bristol (ElectUp data feed)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“We must focus on economic development and tourism - both are driving factors of revenue growth”
Government & transparency
Pledges to keep pursuing a Virginia Intermont property resolution.
ReportCardinal News 2026 Virginia Voter Guide candidate questionnaire: City of Bristol (ElectUp data feed)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“We will see this through and we will find a resolution.”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Jake Preston Holmes on them.
- Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.
All sources (2)
- Candidate list, November 3, 2026 General Election: City of Bristol (all offices)
Election filing · Virginia Department of Elections · elections.virginia.gov
- Cardinal News 2026 Virginia Voter Guide candidate questionnaire: City of Bristol (ElectUp data feed)
Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.