Scott Guirlinger Is Apparent Ward 1 Winner, Bringing Wards Corner Experience to Council

Scott Guirlinger emerged as the apparent winner in Norfolk’s Ward 1 after running as the only named candidate. His move toward council service follows years of neighborhood organizing in Wards Corner and a career grounded in technology.

Starting with the neighborhood

Guirlinger spent roughly a decade leading the Wards Corner Civic League and participated in the NFK2050 planning advisory process. His academic background spans engineering, mathematics, modeling and simulation, and human-computer interaction.

That combination connects a systems-oriented professional background with the everyday work of a civic league: identifying a shared concern, bringing people into the discussion and following through with city offices.

Opportunity for local businesses

Guirlinger has emphasized public-safety staffing, community policing, school accountability and helping businesses start and grow. His economic-development priorities include locally owned shops in Wards Corner, the Norfolk Innovation Corridor and opportunities in maritime and defense industries.

For the neighborhood, those themes reach from the storefront to the larger regional economy. A local shop needs customer access and understandable city processes; a growing technology company needs space and a skilled workforce. Guirlinger’s experience gives residents a specific starting point for following how those needs are addressed together as council service comes into view.

Stay connected

Follow local decisions and participation opportunities: Norfolk City Council.

Scott R. Guirlinger received 6,151 votes. This was the only named candidate on the ballot. Figures are from Virginia ELECT’s unofficial November 4, 2026, 1:34 p.m. EST export; canvassing and certification remained pending.

election guide · Civic & Community · Ward’s Corner · Meet the council leaders across seven Hampton Roads cities.