VA SJR165

Howard E. Gwynn retired as Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Newport News on January 1, 2026, after 30 years of distinguished service in that position

Gwynn graduated as valedictorian of George W. Carver High School, earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy with honors from Dartmouth College, and received a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School

First elected as Commonwealth's Attorney in 1990, he led a team of more than 75 professionals and made Newport News among the first Virginia localities to launch drug courts, trauma-informed victim programs, and behavioral health dockets

Received the Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award from the Virginia State Bar Criminal Law Section in 2024

The General Assembly formally commends Gwynn for his contributions to the justice system and directs the Clerk of the Senate to present him with a copy of the resolution