Mayor KennETH Alexander
Mayor of the City of Norfolk
John will work to build a justice system that is both fair and effective. He is mission-driven and capable of delivering results. John has a proven record of success in the courtroom, holding violent criminals accountable while prioritizing community engagement programs to prevent crime before it happens. I am proud to stand with and endorse John Butler for Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Sheriff Joe Baron
Sheriff for the City of Norfolk
As Sheriff, I have worked with John Butler during his time as a federal prosecutor and seen firsthand his dedication to public safety. John knows how to build a balanced response to violent crime, collaborating with prosecutors, law enforcement, city resources, and the community to help create a safer Norfolk. John understands relationships matter and working together is the only way to ensure fairness, justice, and accountability in our criminal justice system. John will bring effectiveness and respect back to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Office and that is why I endorse John Butler and I will be voting for him on June 17th.
Daun Hester
Treasurer for the City of Norfolk, Former 89th Virginia House District Representative, Former Norfolk City Council Member, Former Educator
As a lifelong resident of Norfolk, I am proud to endorse John Butler as Norfolk’s next Commonwealth’s Attorney to help lead our city to new heights. John has demonstrated a deep understanding of what it takes to make Norfolk safe for all of its citizens. He brings valuable experience prosecuting and convicting criminals while also working with community leaders to address the root causes of crime and to create pathways to success for at-risk youth. His years of service and dedication to public safety will make him an effective Commonwealth’s Attorney, delivering restorative justice to the people of Norfolk.
Blythe A. Scott
Commissioner of the Revenue for the City of Norfolk
John Butler’s background, both in military service and as a federal prosecutor, makes him the leader Norfolk needs in the Commonwealth’s Attorney office. John has the knowledge and skill to build a team of prosecutors who will hold criminals accountable and ensure victims are heard. Norfolk deserves a Commonwealth’s Attorney who prioritizes justice, supports victims, and works to make our city safe for everyone. I know John will do just that, and I am excited to support him for Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Jeremy Mcgee
Norfolk City Council Member Superward 6
John Butler is the leader Norfolk needs as its next Commonwealth’s Attorney. His experience tackling the rise in opioid overdoses in Hampton Roads, along with his proven track record of convicting criminals and advocating for victims, are exactly the skills we need in Norfolk. I have full confidence in his leadership and proudly endorse John Butler for Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Thomas R. Smigiel Jr.
Norfolk City Council Member Ward 5
As City Council Member for Ward 5 and a high school educator, I know how important it is to have a Commonwealth’s Attorney committed to both public safety and justice. John Butler has the experience to fight crime while also helping our young people find pathways to success. I’m proud to support John Butler
as Norfolk’s next Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Courtney Doyle
Norfolk City Council Member Ward 2
As a Norfolk City Council member, I have been dedicated to making Norfolk a safe place to live, work, visit, and play. It is important that Norfolk has a Commonwealth’s Attorney that shares that same vision. John Butler is that person. John is an experienced leader who will competently lead the office and will be in the courtroom trying cases.
Kenneth D. Paulson
Norfolk School Board Member Ward 5
John Butler has my full support for Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney. As a veteran and Norfolk Public School Board Member,
I know how important it is to have a principled leader in the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office – someone who will support pathways out of crime for young people while holding violent criminals accountable.
I look forward to casting my ballot for John Butler on June 17th.
Howard E. Gwynn
Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney
I got to know John Butler through his efforts in leading the Eastern District of Virginia’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. I saw firsthand his dedication to fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, and his focused and strategic leadership. As someone who has served as a Commonwealth’s Attorney for nearly 35 years, I can wholeheartedly say Norfolk would be a safe and thriving city with John Butler as its Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Norfolk Professional Fire Fighters,
IAFF Local 68
"John Butler has the experience and vision to address the needs of first responders. His service in the Navy and as a federal prosecutor reflects his deep commitment to public safety and his dedication to our community. IAFF Local 68 is proud to endorse John Butler as the next Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney."

- Mark Old, President, NPFF, IAFF Local 68
Norfolk Fraternal Order of Police,
Virginia Lodge #3
"As a proven federal prosecutor and Navy veteran, John Butler brings experience, integrity, and leadership to the race for Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney.

John Butler’s distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to public safety. He understands the challenges Norfolk faces, and as Commonwealth’s Attorney, he will work tirelessly to reduce violent crime, build community trust, and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. His dedication and service have earned him the trust and respect of both law enforcement professionals and the citizens of Norfolk.

On behalf of the members of the Norfolk Fraternal Order of Police Virginia Lodge #3 (FOP VA #3), I am proud to announce our full endorsement of John Butler as the next Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney."

- Mark Heckman, President, Norfolk Fraternal Order of Police, Virginia Lodge #3
New Politics
"John F. Butler has spent his life serving and protecting his
country — first in uniform, then in the courtroom.

A decorated federal prosecutor and Navy Commander, John has deployed overseas, taken on tough cases, and led with integrity at every step.

With two decades in the Navy JAG Corps and a decade as a federal prosecutor, he brings unmatched experience, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to justice.

New Politics is proud to endorse John for Commonwealth’s Attorney — because Norfolk deserves a leader who has always stepped up to serve, no matter how high the stakes."

- Emily Cherniak, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics
Send Donations and Correspondence To:
Friends of John Butler
P.O. Box 11-244
Norfolk, VA 23517
Paid for by Friends of John Butler.
Use of military rank or images does not imply endorsement by the United States Navy or the Department of Defense or the United States Attorney's office or the Department of Justice.