Will Smith Is Apparent Cypress Winner with Neighborhood Listening and Growth in Focus

Will Smith emerged as the apparent winner in Suffolk’s Cypress Borough, bringing experience in public policy and constituent service to the prospect of council work. His priorities emphasize listening to neighborhoods and preparing carefully for the city’s next stage of growth.

Policy experience with a local connection

Smith grew up in Suffolk and earned a political-science degree from Virginia State University in 2018. His work has included state and local government before a move into external affairs in the energy sector.

His civic experience includes the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, youth-advocacy organizations and environmental and cultural boards. Housing, public resources and economic opportunity are recurring connections across that experience.

Making community input part of the decision

Smith has emphasized transparency, collaboration and making sure Cypress receives attention and investment. His experience preparing policy briefings and responding to constituent concerns gives those priorities a practical foundation.

For residents, meaningful participation starts before a final vote: understanding a proposal, seeing its effects and knowing how neighborhood feedback is addressed. Smith’s result puts that approach in focus as certification and the transition proceed, with specific projects and funding decisions offering the next evidence of how it will work.

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Contact and participation information.

Will J. Smith received 3,400 votes. The lead over Leroy Bennett was 575 votes. Figures are from Virginia ELECT’s unofficial November 4, 2026, 1:34 p.m. EST export; canvassing and certification remained pending.

Meet the council leaders across seven Hampton Roads cities.