Charlie Holder is set to become Newport’s next Mayor following a unanimous vote by the City Council-elect at a meeting held at Innovate Newport. The informal election, which also saw Lynn Underwood Ceglie chosen as Vice Chair, marks a significant transition in the city’s leadership.
Holder, who previously served as the 2nd Ward Councillor, emerged as the top vote-getter in the recent at-large council race with 4,729 votes. This achievement traditionally paves the way for the mayoral position in Newport, although it is not mandated by ordinance.
Current Mayor Xaykham Rexford Khamsyvoravong nominated Holder at the start of the meeting, signaling a show of unity among the council members. The unofficial vote passed 7-0, reflecting strong support for Holder’s leadership.
“I feel great. I feel extremely, extremely happy,” Holder told What’sUpNewp by phone after the vote. “I’m grateful for the support of the council-elect. I think that shows a lot of respect for me in the process and that they’re comfortable getting ready for us to work together.”
The selection process for Newport’s mayor is governed by city ordinances, which require that one of the at-large council members be elected as Chair, who then assumes the title of Mayor. The mayor’s role extends beyond ceremonial duties, including signing contracts and serving as the executive head of the city.
Holder expressed his commitment to building on the work of his predecessor. “What [Khamsyvoravong] has done the last few years has been spectacular in my opinion. I think he’s done a stupendous job as the chair and I just want to continue that,” Holder said.
As he steps into his new role, Holder promises to be a leader who listens and makes fair decisions. “Newport residents can expect somebody who listens, who’s fair, who’s balanced, who’s going to listen to people’s thoughts and opinions and make the best decision I can, just like I have for the last four years,” he explained.
Serving on the 2024-2026 Newport City Council will be Charlie Holder as Chair, Steph Smyth, Xay Khamsyvoravong, and Jeanne-Marie Napolitano as At-Large Members. Ellen Pinnock will represent Ward 1, while Lynn Underwood will serve as Vice Chair and represent Ward 2, and David R. Carlin III will represent Ward 3.
Khamsyvoravong, reflecting on his tenure, provided a statement to What’sUpNewp highlighting the progress made during his time as mayor. “We put Newport on a clear path to modernize city government while delivering residents with tax relief and increased services,” he said. “Key to this was utilizing the position of Mayor to leverage my network to help secure tens of millions in state and federal funding.”
The outgoing mayor expressed his support for Holder, stating, “Charlie is a great friend and colleague and he has my full support. I look forward to returning to the Council for another two years to work hard for Newporters.”
The official vote for Chair/Mayor and Vice Chair will take place on Dec. 1, when the Council-Elect will be officially sworn in at an inauguration ceremony at 3 p.m. at the CCRI Newport Campus.
As Holder prepares to take on his new responsibilities, he joked about some practical changes that might be needed in the council chambers. “I hope I can get the dais raised up so I can get my knees under there a little more comfortably,” he said with a laugh.
The transition in leadership comes as Newport continues to address various challenges and opportunities, including modernizing city government, addressing housing issues, and tackling climate change. The new council, under Holder’s leadership, will be tasked with building on recent progress and steering the city through its next chapter.