Wengay Newton

Wengay M. Newton (born August 27, 1963) is an American politician from Florida. A Democrat, he served two terms in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2020, representing parts of Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee, and Hillsborough Counties.[1][2]

Wengay Newton
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 70th district
In office
November 8, 2016 – November 3, 2020
Preceded byDarryl Rouson
Succeeded byMichele Rayner
Personal details
Born (1963-08-27) August 27, 1963
St. Petersburg, Florida
Political partyDemocratic
EducationITT Tech (AS)

Early life and career

Newton was born and raised in the Midtown South neighborhood of St. Petersburg as one of eight children of a divorced mother. Newton graduated from Northeast High School in 1981 and attended ITT Tech where he earned an associate degree in Electronics Engineering. After graduating from ITT Tech, Newton went to work for Xerox, where he worked for eighteen years.[3]

Political career

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]

References
  1. Mark Puente (2016-08-31). "Wengay Newton runs away with Democratic primary for House District 70". Tampabay.com. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
  2. "Florida House of Representatives - Wengay "Newt" Newton - 2016 - 2018 ( Speaker Corcoran )". Myfloridahouse.gov. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
  3. "About Newt". Newt4Mayor. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  4. Nelson, Libby (5 November 2007). "DISTRICT 7: FAULKNER VS. NEWTON". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  5. Perry, Mitch (4 December 2014). "Wengay Newton files to run for Darryl Rouson's HD 70 seat". Florida Politics. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  6. Perry, Mitch (30 August 2016). "Wengay Newton one step closer to Tallahassee, wins HD 70 primary". Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  7. Ammann, Phil (10 September 2016). "Wengay Newton eyes general election with HD 70 campaign kickoff Tuesday". Florida Politics. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  8. Taylor, Janelle Irwin (2020-08-19). "Rene Flowers bests Wengay Newton for Pinellas County Commission". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2020-10-26.
  9. Taylor, Janelle Irwin (2020-01-06). "Wengay Newton to forego another term in Florida House, will run for Pinellas Co. Commission". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2020-10-26.
  10. "State Rep. Wengay Newton to run for Pinellas commission seat". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2020-10-26.
  11. "Wengay Newton files to run for St. Petersburg mayor". 19 December 2020.
  12. "Here are all the major endorsements in the 2021 St. Petersburg primary election so far". 12 August 2021.
  13. "Wengay Newton to run for former state House seat after unsuccessful mayoral bid". 19 September 2021.
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