News Summary
Shannon M. Jones, a 40-year-old attorney with a strong community advocacy background, will run for Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2025. As the first woman ever to seek this position, Jones faces incumbent Howard E. Gwynn in the June primary. With a focus on fairness, community engagement, and reform, her campaign emphasizes mentoring, intervention programs for non-violent offenders, and building trust in local neighborhoods. Voters in Newport News will have a significant choice to make in this pivotal electoral race.
Shannon M. Jones Takes Aim at the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Position
Shannon M. Jones, an ambitious 40-year-old attorney with deep roots in community advocacy, is set to make her mark in the 2025 electoral race for Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney. As the *first woman ever* to run for this position, Jones will face incumbent Howard E. Gwynn in the upcoming June 17, 2025 Democratic primary. The stakes are high; the winner will secure a spot on the *General Election ballot* scheduled for November 4, 2025.
A Candidate with Diverse Experience
Shannon Jones isn’t just another face in the legal arena. Having graduated from Old Dominion University and Howard University School of Law, her legal journey began at the prestigious Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. With extensive experience in both the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office, Jones has honed her skills as a prosecutor of serious offenses, while also advising public safety departments.
Known for her commitment to youth and education, Jones is the founder of the *STARS Mock Trial Program*, aimed at high school students looking to explore the field of law. She has held leadership roles in various community organizations, including serving as past president of the Greater Peninsula Women’s Bar Association and is currently a board member of the Newport News Bar Association. Additionally, she chairs the Criminal Justice Committee for the Newport News NAACP.
Campaign Platform: Fairness and Community Engagement
On the campaign trail, Jones emphasizes her vision for a justice system rooted in fairness, community engagement, and meaningful reform. She advocates for a *community prosecution model*, where attorneys actively participate in local neighborhoods, thereby fostering trust between residents and law enforcement. Recognizing the existing challenges in staffing, she aims to recruit and retain skilled prosecutors while supporting equitable law enforcement practices.
Jones argues for a balanced approach in her prosecution strategy, particularly focusing on non-violent offenders. Instead of punitive measures, she promotes intervention programs to support rehabilitation. Her intention is to work closely with the Attorney General’s office to effectively manage dangerous offenders while considering the larger societal context surrounding crime.
Howard E. Gwynn: The Veteran Candidate
Meanwhile, on the other side, incumbent Howard E. Gwynn has been a formidable presence in the Newport News legal system since his inception as Commonwealth’s Attorney in 1990. Having won eight consecutive elections without opposition, this year marks the first time in 35 years that Gwynn faces a challenger. At the age of 72, he carries a wealth of experience, graduating as valedictorian from George W. Carver High School, followed by honors from Dartmouth College and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Having dedicated over three decades to the office, Gwynn has focused on ensuring justice for both survivors of crimes and defendants. He has developed numerous programs, including drug courts and trauma-informed responses, demonstrating a commitment to a justice system that prioritizes integrity, honesty, fairness, and compassion.
A Legacy of Leadership and Community Outreach
Having prosecuted thousands of cases — including over 70 homicides — Gwynn emphasizes the importance of nurturing new legal talent, with a notable track record of mentoring attorneys who have gone on to become judges. His campaign is centered on keeping violent offenders off the streets as a crucial method of reducing crime, reinforcing the significance of community outreach and relationship building with law enforcement.
What Lies Ahead for Voters
With such contrasting candidates, voters in Newport News will have crucial choices to make. The early voting period runs from May 2 to June 14, 2025 at local voter registration offices. On Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. As always, voters must remember to bring their ID to cast their ballots.
The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney race is heating up, and as these two candidates prepare for a spirited contest, community members are encouraged to engage in the electoral process. Discover more about Shannon Jones by visiting her campaign website at www.votesj.com and learn about Howard E. Gwynn at https://www.howardgwynn.com.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Shannon M. Jones Takes Aim at the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Position
- Howard E. Gwynn Official Website
- Shannon Jones Official Website
- Wikipedia: Newport News
- Google Search: Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney
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