The Leadership Our Region & City Needs Right Now
About the VBDC 2022 Recommended Candidates
The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee is proud to announce our 2022 Voter Guide.
In addition to Congresswoman Elaine Luria receiving the Democratic Nomination for Congressional District 2, the following candidates have received the committee’s recommendations for City Council and School Board.
Kim Melnyk
For School Board, District 2
Kim currently serves as the Virginia Beach School Board Vice Chair. Kim is also a lifelong public-school advocate and Longwood University graduate.
Staci Martin
For School Board, District 4
Staci has been working in public service for over 20 years as both adjunct faculty at Old Dominion University and as a full-time program manager in a variety of state agencies.
As a working mother and former high school drop out, Staci attended college at night completing her Bachelor’s degree in 2003 and her Master’s degree in 2006 while raising her daughter and taking care of her mother.
Sharon Felton
For School Board, District 6
Sharon Felton currently serves as a member of the Virginia Beach School Board. A compelling communicator and community innovator, Sharon Felton is a Virginia Beach native and a proud alumnus of Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Having attended Seatack Elementary, Virginia Beach Middle, and graduating from First Colonial High School with grandchildren currently enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Sharon has been involved in our educational institutions for three generations.
Carolyn Rye
For School Board, District 8
Carolyn has served for two terms as a member of the Virginia Beach School Board. She has sought to ensure that every student, within the context of an inclusive and welcoming learning environment, has access to the quality instruction and resources they need to prepare for whatever paths they may choose after leaving Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Erika Guess
For School Board, District 9
Erika is the daughter of a VBCPS teacher, a VBCPS graduate, and a lifelong resident of Virginia Beach. She has two children in VBCPS, and she looks forward to making a difference in the lives of all students.
Kim Bentley II
For School Board, District 10
Kim is a single father of a child about to enter Virginia Beach City Public Schools, has spent over a decade building his community in the Hampton Roads area.
As the president of the Green Run Homes Association, he chairs the 9 person board tasked with oversight of the largest community association in Hampton Roads. Kim was elected to guide the decision making, oversee a multi-million dollar budget, and most importantly to ensure that the Green Run community is a place that residents are happy to call home.