Tommy Smigiel Is Apparent Ward 5 Winner with Ocean View and Education in Focus

Tommy Smigiel emerged as the apparent winner in Norfolk’s Ward 5, where he was the only named candidate. The educator and longtime councilmember brings an established connection to Ocean View and the streets that connect its neighborhoods.

An educator with a neighborhood connection

First elected to council in 2010, Smigiel has served as Granby High School’s principal and held earlier teaching and school-leadership roles. He was named Virginia’s Teacher of the Year in 2008.

His civic experience includes the Ocean View and East Ocean View civic leagues. Council responsibilities have included co-chairing the East Little Creek Road advisory group and the Mayor’s Ocean View advisory group, giving his work a direct connection to the area’s public spaces and corridors.

The everyday life of a corridor

East Little Creek Road serves school trips, commutes, shops and nearby residential blocks. Decisions about access or redevelopment therefore affect several parts of neighborhood life at once. Smigiel’s combination of civic and school experience brings both families and the places they use into that discussion.

For Ocean View and Ocean View East, the next council term offers continued attention to how public investment fits established communities. His education background also keeps young people and opportunity in view, while the council’s budget and planning decisions provide the practical places to follow the work.

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Tommy R. Smigiel, Jr. received 12,408 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 · Ocean View · Ocean View East · Meet the council leaders across seven Hampton Roads cities.