Lynn Underwood Ceglie has announced she is running for re-election to the Newport City Council in 2026, seeking another term representing the city’s Second Ward.
Ceglie, who has served on the council for 12 years, said her decision to run again is rooted in a commitment to providing experienced, common-sense leadership and continuing to address the issues most important to Second Ward residents.
“I think that I bring a breadth of experience, knowledge, and common sense that is needed,” Ceglie said.
Ceglie said she prioritizes neighborhood quality-of-life concerns, including pedestrian safety, speeding and traffic enforcement, protecting weight-restricted roads, and infrastructure improvements. She has advocated for safer streets, improved traffic circulation and policies aimed at protecting Second Ward neighborhoods. Her work with the Edward King Senior Center contributed to Newport’s designation as an “Age Friendly City,” according to her campaign.
She has championed initiatives aimed at protecting Second Ward neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, improving the environment and lowering the tax burden on residents. Ceglie supported Newport’s plastic bag ban and backed smoking bans at city beaches and parks. She has also advocated for improving the city’s tree canopy and for cemetery improvements.
Ceglie is a supporter of the city’s two-tiered residential tax policy, which she said has helped lower taxes for Second Ward residents, and has backed efforts to provide free downtown and Easton’s Beach parking during the summer season.
To preserve neighborhood character and protect housing availability for year-round residents, Ceglie supported the prohibition of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.
She also supports investments aimed at maintaining a clean city and harbor, upgrading infrastructure and reducing flooding throughout Newport. Ceglie said she worked to advance construction of the new Rogers High School and the Pell Elementary School expansion.
Ceglie said the City Council must balance the needs of residents with the realities of a strong tourism economy, working to reconcile pressures between preserving neighborhood quality of life and supporting the business community. She said she values working closely with city staff, public safety officials and local businesses to find practical solutions for residents.
One of her focuses has been the Broadway corridor, where she said she works to support local businesses while addressing challenges related to homelessness through collaboration with city administration, social service providers and law enforcement.
“I’m here to serve Newport,” Ceglie said. “I feel my responsiveness, fairness, common-sense approach, and my willingness to work with residents and staff to solve problems are my strengths. I’m hoping residents concur, and I’m asking for your vote.”
The Second Ward seat is currently held by Ceglie, who serves as vice chair of the City Council. Emily Conklin, chair of the city’s Energy and Environment Commission, announced earlier this month that she is also running for the seat.
