Proven Leadership That Works

Mark Hugel is a 30-year Navy veteran, a long-time Portsmouth resident, and a proven leader who believes in doing the work. After a career managing complex operations in the military and private sector, he ran for City Council in 2022 because he saw a city with tremendous potential that needed steady, experienced leadership. Voters agreed — Mark earned more votes than any other candidate that year. He's spent the last four years delivering on that trust.

The Leader Who helps Make Council Work

Over his first term, Mark has brought the same discipline and integrity he developed in 30 years of Navy service to the work of city governance: reading the reports, asking the hard questions, and making sure good ideas become real results. Crime is down. School funding is up. Infrastructure projects are moving. That's what steady, experienced leadership looks like, and that's what he’ll continue to deliver for Portsmouth.

a few of the council’s recent accomplishments

$19M increase in school funding

City contribution to Portsmouth Public Schools grew from $63.7M to $82.9M
Crime down three years running

Violent crime and homicides have decreased each of the past three years
Churchland Bridge completed

Critical infrastructure project delivered for the community
911 system overhauled

Modernized emergency response for faster, better service
700+ new small businesses

Portsmouth has become a hub for small business growth in Hampton Roads
Real estate taxes reduced

Property tax rate lowered from $1.30 to $1.24 per $100 assessed value
New homeless shelter approved

Council approved construction of a dedicated homeless shelter facility
STEM programs expanded

Funded five-year growth plan for Starbase Victory & added GOTEC to middle schools

MARK’S prioritieS

EDUCATION

Building pathways to opportunity

Clear pipelines from Portsmouth schools to local colleges, military service, and skilled trades
Increasing city investment in Portsmouth Public Schools
Expanding STEM and workforce-readiness programs across all grade levels

EMPLOYMENT

Connecting residents to good local jobs

Partner with employers to align training programs with real job openings
Strengthen ties between schools, trades programs, and the shipyard and naval base
Support small business growth and bring more maritime jobs to Portsmouth