Blacksburg elections · City
Blacksburg Town Council (special election)
Election day:
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Who is running
2 candidates on the ballot, from Virginia Department of Elections. Photos come from each candidate's own campaign site.
Photo: Leslie C. Harwood campaign Leslie C. Harwood
Independent
Harwood’s VOTE411 response says she has lived in Blacksburg for most of the past 26 years, came to town as a Virginia Tech student, earned three degrees, and worked for the university for more than a decade. She is a program manager and strategic consultant and is running for one of the two Blacksburg Town Council seats in the 2026 special election.
Source: VOTE411 candidate questionnaire, Leslie Harwood campaign site
2 sourced statements · Campaign site
Photo: Joel L. Goodhart campaign Joel L. Goodhart
Independent
Goodhart’s campaign site says he is seeking reelection to Blacksburg Town Council and is proud to call Blacksburg home. The VOTE411 guide identifies him as a candidate in the 2026 special election for two unexpired council terms ending December 31, 2027.
Source: Joel for Blacksburg, VOTE411
1 sourced statement · Campaign site
Where the candidates stand
Every candidate for Blacksburg Town Council (special election) on each issue any of them has spoken on, in their own words or a close paraphrase, with the source linked. Checked . We do not score, rank or recommend anyone.
Where do the Blacksburg Town Council (special election) candidates in Blacksburg stand on elections and how government runs?
Leslie C. Harwood (Independent)
No public statement found in our sources.
Joel L. Goodhart (Independent)
He says he wants greater transparency, thoughtful long-term planning, stronger collaboration with Virginia Tech, diverse perspectives, and meaningful resident participation in shaping Blacksburg’s future. (VOTE411)
Where do the Blacksburg Town Council (special election) candidates in Blacksburg stand on jobs and the economy?
Leslie C. Harwood (Independent)
She says Blacksburg’s challenge is adapting and growing while maintaining what makes the community special. (VOTE411)
Joel L. Goodhart (Independent)
No public statement found in our sources.
Other positions
Leslie C. Harwood (Independent)
She says she wants council to communicate openly, collaborate with Virginia Tech rather than work in conflict, and make decisions that strengthen the community. (Leslie Harwood for Blacksburg)
Joel L. Goodhart (Independent)
No public statement found in our sources.
“No public statement found” means we did not find one, not that the candidate has no view. If a position is missing or wrong, tell us.
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