COURTHOUSE — David “Hutch” Hutcheson, Virginia Beach’s former fire chief, is the newest member of the Virginia Beach City Council representing District 1.
Hutcheson on Tuesday, Jan. 9, won a special election to serve the remainder of the year in the seat, according to official returns reported by the state elections department. The District 1 seat became vacant when Councilmember Rocky Holcomb resigned late last year to become sheriff.
Hutcheson defeated John Napier, an attorney who owns a mediation consulting business and who had the backing of the city’s GOP, and Teresa Gladney, a retired federal employee and former small business owner.
Hutcheson earned about 47.3 percent of the vote, and Napier and Gladney gained 38.6 percent and 13.9 percent, respectively, according to official returns last updated on Tuesday, Jan. 16. He won 10 of 11 precincts, according to the state.
“I’m extremely excited to finally be able to get to the table where the real work begins,” Hutcheson said during an interview on the night of the special election.
He said he looked forward to collaborating with other members of the council to keep the city “on top where it belongs,” and he thanked the voters and his team, who knocked on 5,500 doors.
Hutcheson also had well wishes for the other candidates.
“The three of us who put our names in wanted to serve,” he said. “That’s admirable in itself.”
“It’s not the outcome I was running for, but it’s okay,” Napier said. “I’ll live to fight another day. I wish Hutch the best, and I hope he’s a good councilman.”
“I’m a little disappointed, but I am very grateful for this incredible journey,” said Gladney during an interview, who thanked supporters and vowed to keep working in the community.
“Congratulations to Mr. Hutcheson,” she said, “and hopefully he’s going to lead with dedication.”
He is a Kempsville native who serves as president of the Woodstock Civic League, and, in addition to his 35 years of public safety service, works in a small family business.
“I’m extremely proud, extremely humble,” he said, speaking of the chance to represent his community. “It means a lot to serve the folks I’ve grown up with and who have meant so much to my family and me over the years.”
Hutcheson’s first meeting as a member of the council came on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
“Tonight we want to welcome Chief Hutch to the table and to our family,” Mayor Bobby Dyer said at the start of the meeting.
“Thank you, sir,” Hutcheson said before making remarks about his new role.
“I give my word to the folks of Kempsville and to the rest of the city,” he continued, “that I will work tirelessly for you as well as the citizens and visitors of this great city that I personally have called home almost my entire life.
“I’ve said this many times during the campaign and I meant this: no one is going to out-Kempsville me.”
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