Mark M. Whitaker
Candidate for Portsmouth City Council
Background
- Occupation
- Pastor, New Bethel Baptist Church; former Hampton University professor
A former Portsmouth City Council member (2015-2018, 2020-2024) and School Board member (2002-2014). He is pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church and a former associate professor at Hampton University.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Opposes tax incentives and subsidies for developers.
ReportPortsmouth City Council election: Meet the candidatesCandidate questionnaire · The Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot (via Yahoo News) · yahoo.com
“Portsmouth does not need to provide tax incentives or subsidies to developers.”
Supports real estate tax relief and full school funding.
ReportPortsmouth City Council election: Meet the candidatesCandidate questionnaire · The Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot (via Yahoo News) · yahoo.com
“I will fight for affordability by supporting real estate tax relief, fully funded schools, free certification training through the PACE Center”
Economy & jobs
Proposes penalties for breaking minority contracting rules.
ReportPortsmouth City Council election: Meet the candidatesCandidate questionnaire · The Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot (via Yahoo News) · yahoo.com
“proposals should be required to demonstrate minority contracting opportunities. Substantial penalties should be imposed for noncompliance.”
Government & transparency
Proposes open public presentations by waterfront developers.
ReportPortsmouth City Council election: Meet the candidatesCandidate questionnaire · The Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot (via Yahoo News) · yahoo.com
“Portsmouth should make the process open with multiple developers presenting their projects to the public.”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Mark M. Whitaker on them.
- Public safetyNo documented position found.
- HousingNo documented position found.
- Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.
All sources (4)
- Sample ballot, November 3, 2026 General and Special Elections (City of Portsmouth)
Election filing · City of Portsmouth Office of the General Registrar · content.civicplus.com
- November 3, 2026, General and Special Elections Information (candidates and referendum, 8/28/2026)
Election filing · City of Portsmouth Office of the General Registrar · content.civicplus.com
- Candidate list, November 3, 2026 General Election: City of Portsmouth (all offices)
Election filing · Virginia Department of Elections · elections.virginia.gov
- Portsmouth City Council election: Meet the candidates
Candidate questionnaire · The Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot (via Yahoo News) · yahoo.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.