After ‘twists and turns’ in political career, former state delegate takes office on Hampton City Council

Two incumbent City Council members and two newcomers were sworn into office Wednesday morning.

Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray and councilman Steven Brown won reelection to four-year terms in November, while former delegate Martha Mugler and Northrop Grumman Property Control specialist Hope Harper joined the panel.

“My public service has taken a lot of interesting twists and turns, but I truly believe I am exactly where I am supposed to be,” Mugler said.

Mugler served on the Hampton School Board for 12 years and in Virginia House of Delegates for two years before losing her bid for reelection in 2021. However, in November, she received the most votes in Hampton’s at-large election — with 24,579.

She said she believes her experience will be an asset to the council, and promised to listen to her constituents and “do the research” when making decisions that impact Hampton residents.

She said the council has “a lot of work to do” and hopes to improve streets and roads, revitalize parts of the city, showcase arts, support educators and reduce gun violence.

“I’m looking forward to working with you to advance the best Hampton we can imagine,” she told the other council members.

Harper, a campaign manager for Commonwealth’s Attorney Anton Bell, thanked her friends, family and supporters. She won a special election against Randy Bowman to replace Michelle Ferebee, who was appointed to the council on an interim basis in 2022 after council member Christine Snead was elected city treasurer. Harper will serve the seat’s remaining two years.

“I want to thank the beloved citizens of the city of Hampton for their confidence and belief in me to elect me as your voice here on Hampton City Council,” Harper said. “I believe we are one of the best cities in the world. I will always be committed to working hard and being dedicated to you.”

Brown said while the council doesn’t always see eye-to-eye on every issue, he appreciates his colleagues on the council and looks forward to working with them for another four years.

Also at the ceremony, the council unanimously voted to keep Gray as the vice mayor. Gray previously served as the city’s fire chief and assistant city manager. He has served on the city council since 2016 and has been vice mayor since 2018. He described himself as a lifelong community servant and a council member hoping to create a better future for the city’s residents.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com