Ted Quinn Backs Former Democrat Mugler with $2,500 Donation

Ted Quinn of Hampton recently donated $2,500 to the campaign of Martha Mugler for Hampton City Council. The contribution occurred on August 27, 2026. Quinn works in the medical labs and testing industry as an employee of Health Research of Hampton Roads Inc. Mugler currently serves as an Independent on the Hampton City Council after winning election in 2022.

Mugler previously held office as a Democrat in the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 91st District from 2020 to 2022. She lost her reelection bid to Republican AC Cordoza following a recount in that race. Mugler had earlier served on the Hampton School Board for over a decade including time as chair. Her background includes work at Old Point National Bank and various roles in local government and law offices.

Quinn has made other political contributions in Virginia totaling over $15,000 according to public records. These include donations to Republican candidates such as Glenn Youngkin for governor, Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, and AC Cordoza for delegate. He also supported Democrat Don Beyer for governor and other local candidates including Eleanor Brown for Hampton City Council. Additional gifts went to school board and senate races.

Mugler ran as a Democrat during her time in the House of Delegates before switching to Independent status for her council campaign. Her prior service in a Democrat-led legislature included alignment with party positions on education and economic issues at the state level. Quinn's support for her council bid comes after his contributions to Republican figures who have advanced conservative priorities in Virginia.

The $2,500 donation highlights Quinn's willingness to back Mugler despite her Democratic legislative record. This choice raises questions about alignment with stances that previously frustrated Republican voters in the 91st District. Supporters of limited government and traditional values may view the contribution as extending influence to candidates with mixed party histories. Quinn's pattern of giving across party lines suggests a broad approach to local politics in Hampton.

Local observers note Mugler's transition from school board leadership to state delegate and now city council. Her family ties include marriage to Ross Mugler a longtime Hampton official who retired as commissioner of the revenue. The council position carries a salary of $43,000 annually with a term running through 2026. Quinn's latest gift adds to Mugler's fundraising from various individuals and groups in the region.

Hampton is an independent city in Hampton Roads.

Email the Hampton City Board/Council:
Jimmy Gray, jgray@hampton.gov,
Steven Brown, steven.brown@hampton.gov,
Randy Bowman, randy.bowman@hampton.gov,
Carolyn Campbell, carolyn.campbell@hampton.gov,
Michelle Ferebee, michelle.ferebee@hampton.gov,
Hope Harper, hope.harper@hampton.gov,
Martha Mugler, martha.mugler@hampton.gov,

Email the Hampton City School Board:
Richard Mason, rmason@hampton.k12.va.us,
Stephanie Afonja, sjacksonafonja@hampton.k12.va.us,
Ann Cherry, acherry1@hampton.k12.va.us,
Tina Banks-Gray, tbanksgray@hampton.k12.va.us,
Joseph Kilgore, jkilgore@hampton.k12.va.us,
Jason Samuels, jsamuels@hampton.k12.va.us,
Reginald Woodhouse, rwoodhouse@hampton.k12.va.us,