The filing period for Newport’s fall municipal elections closed Wednesday with nine candidates entered in the race for at-large seats on the Newport City Council, including Mayor Charles Holder, who is seeking re-election.
Holder, who serves as council chair and mayor — a position chosen by the at-large councilors from among themselves — filed on the final day of the three-day window. He joins incumbent Stephanie Smyth among the at-large candidates. Also in the race are James Dring, who currently chairs the Newport School Committee; Elizabeth Cullen, vice chair of the School Committee; Jane LeBoeuf; Kevin Michaud; Christine Hope Sullivan; Taryn Mazza; and Meagan Elizabeth Landry.
Six current School Committee members did not seek re-election to the committee: Chair James Dring and member Elizabeth Cullen are both running for City Council at-large instead, while members Rebecca Bolan, Sandra J. Flowers, Dr. Robert Power, and Stephanie Winslow did not file for any office.
In the ward races, incumbent Ellen Pinnock in Ward 1 faces a challenge from John Michael. Incumbent Lynn Underwood Ceglie in Ward 2 faces Emily Conklin and John M. Walker. Incumbent David R. Carlin III filed unopposed in Ward 3.
Nine candidates filed for the Newport School Committee: Amy Yozura, Penelope B. Hunt, Brian Rochelle, Elizabeth Barron, Carrie Cassady, Conner J. Hourihan, Nicole Shevory, Kendra Wilson Muenter, and incumbent Robert J. Leary.
On the state level, current City Councilor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong filed as a Democrat for Lieutenant Governor. Incumbent Sen. Dawn Euer drew a Democratic primary challenge from Angela Lima in Senate District 13. In the House, Lauren H. Carson (District 75) and Marvin Abney (District 73) both filed as Democrats.
Candidates may pick up nomination papers beginning Tuesday, June 30 at 8:30 a.m. at the Newport Canvassing Office, 43 Broadway. Signed papers must be returned by July 10 at 4 p.m. The primary is September 9; the general election is November 3.
