Bobby Dyer

Robert M. Dyer (born August 10, 1950) is an American politician who has served as the mayor of Virginia Beach, Virginia, since 2018. Dyer previously served as a member of the Virginia Beach City Council for 14 years.

Early life and education Dyer was born at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He attended Irvington High School, leaving early to join the United States Marine Corps. Dyer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy from Saint Louis University, Master of Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a PhD in organizational leadership from Regent University.

Career A Republican, Dyer served as a member of the Virginia Beach City Council for 14 years prior to his election as mayor. Dyer has also been a physical therapist for over 40 years and a professor of government at his alma mater, Regent University. He won the November 2018 election for mayor despite being outraised by his opponent Ben Davenport nearly 5 to 1.

Dyer ran for re-election for mayor in 2020. On June 9, 2020, Jody Wagner announced she would run for the seat; Dyer's previous opponent, City Councilman Aaron Rouse, ended his campaign on May 30, 2020. Dyer won a second term as mayor against Wagner in the November 2020 election.

Dyer ran for re-election for mayor in 2024, facing four opponents. Dyer won a third term as mayor against Councilmember Sabrina Wooten, former Councilmember John Moss, Councilmember Chris Taylor and Richard Kowalewitch.

Electoral history