Newton first ran for the St. Petersburg city council in 2007. His opponent was Gershom Faulkner, outreach director for Congresswoman Kathy Castor. Despite Faulkner being considered the establishment candidate, Newton ultimately prevailed and was elected to the city council.[4] In 2011, while running for reelection, Newton faced Faulkner in a rematch. Newton increased his share of the vote from 52 to 66%.
Newton ran for the 70th State House District in 2015 as incumbent representative Darryl Rouson was term-limited.[5] Newton ultimately won the Democratic nomination with 60% of the vote over Dan Fiorini and C.J. Czaia.[6] In the general election, Newton faced Republican Cori Fournier, a realtor. Newton beat Fournier with 76% of the vote.[7]
In 2020, Newton opted to run for a seat on the Pinellas County Commission, losing to Rene Flowers.[8][9][10]
On December 19, 2020, Newton filed and declared his candidacy for Mayor of St. Petersburg in the 2021 St. Petersburg mayoral election.[11] Despite being endorsed by former Republican Mayor Rick Baker, Newton received only 7.5% of the vote in the first round and was eliminated.[12]
In September 2021, Newton announced a run for his old state house seat as incumbent Michele Rayner-Goolsby is not running for reelection.[13]
