Justin Kennedy is a candidate for Newport News Treasurer and is running as an Independent. His name will appear on the November 4, 2025 General Election ballot. Kennedy is running against Sanu Y. Dieng-Cooper, a Democratic candidate.
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10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. The bio is unedited; this is what the candidate submitted. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Name: Justin Kennedy
Age: 54
Party: Independent
Biography
Justin Kennedy graduated from Rutgers Law School in 1996. He practiced commercial litigation in New Jersey for several years before he and his wife, Carmen, founded a business consulting and media development company, The Kennedy Firm, LLC, in 2002.
There, they focused on creating video games for clients such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and FedEx, while also consulting businesses on how to integrate new technologies into their operations.
Mr. Kennedy moved from New York to Newport News eighteen years ago and has since been an active community member, dedicating his skills to supporting local nonprofits and churches. He is a son, a husband, a father, and a committed friend to the community.
He is running for Newport News City Treasurer not just to collect taxes and report progress, but to uplift the community through financial literacy—empowering residents to avoid penalties and the loss of property. He will be deeply engaged with the community, using the influence of the office to meet citizens where they are and provide them with the information they need to succeed.
Kennedy will leverage his expertise in technology to modernize how the city communicates and manages tax payments, all while ensuring our senior residents are not left behind.
With a law degree, years of legal experience, a successful business background, and a proven record of community service, Justin Kennedy is the clear choice for City Treasurer.
Why are you running for office?
Newport News needs leadership free from the influence of party politics and corporate interests. I am running as an Independent candidate because the management of our city’s treasury demands an individual committed to putting people first, operating with absolute transparency, and leveraging the office to uplift the entire community.
Citizens deserve to know why their taxes change, where every tax dollar is spent, and what resources are available to them. They deserve professional, courteous customer service from the Treasurer’s office. Furthermore, the dedicated employees who serve our city deserve recognition and support for their hard work.
I am committed to bridging the gap between the government and the people it serves. I will work to modernize the office, secure funding for innovation, and provide the tools and incentives our team needs to succeed.
I believe the role of City Treasurer is not just a job—it’s a mission. It’s about fostering a more prosperous and financially healthy city, attracting new families and businesses, and providing the leadership that drives Newport News toward a future of excellence.
If you are elected, what will be your top priority in office?
My top priority upon entering the Treasurer’s Office will be to increase the city’s tax collection rate by enhancing operational efficiency. I view the Treasurer’s office not just as a department, but as a team. The better that team works together, the more effectively we can solve problems and enhance customer service.
This is why I believe it is critical to have leadership with seasoned experience in business—someone who knows how to guide a large team to perform at its best. By first strengthening our internal foundation, we will be positioned to modernize the office with new technologies and expand our outreach efforts to keep citizens better informed and engaged.
What is the top challenge facing your office and how will you address it?
Like any successful organization, the key to an effective Treasurer’s Office is building and nurturing a team of talented, dedicated individuals who are invested in the success of our community. I possess the proven leadership skills necessary to unite diverse teams, foster a productive and positive work environment, and cultivate professional talent. As your Treasurer, I will leverage these skills to strengthen our office, enhance its service, and make a greater positive impact for everyone in Newport News.