Portsmouth Election Results: Stephanie Morales Wins Commonwealth’s Attorney Race
All Portsmouth elected officials who sought re-election this year retained their positions. Stephanie Morales, the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the first woman elected to the role, won a third full term on Tuesday, defeating two challengers with nearly 55% of the vote, based on unofficial results.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Race
- Stephanie Morales: ~55% of the vote
- Nathan Chapman, local attorney: 24%
- Steve Heretick, former state delegate and Portsmouth City Councilman: ~21%
Other Key Races
Michael Moore secured a third term as Portsmouth sheriff, winning about two-thirds of the vote. Moore captured roughly 68%, while his opponent James Cullen earned nearly 32%.
James Cullen previously served as a police officer and U.S. Coast Guard commander and ran as an independent.
Moore, a Democrat first elected in 2017, has experience as a community college instructor and supervisor with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Treasurer Race
Paige Cherry, a Democrat and the incumbent treasurer since 2017, ran unopposed and secured another term. She has also served as a City Council member and will continue overseeing public funds in Portsmouth, managing receipts, deposits, investments, reconciliations, and disbursements.
"The office is responsible for all activities related to the receipt, deposit, investment, reconciliation and disbursements of funds."
Author’s summary: Portsmouth’s incumbents, including Stephanie Morales and Michael Moore, maintained their positions decisively, reflecting voter confidence in current leadership.