Election 2024: Who's in and out for local, state races across Newport County
The 2024 Election season is underway across Newport County with seats on local city and town councils, as well as state positions up for grabs.
The Newport Daily News will provide a running account of candidate announcements as they are released all in one place.
To have your announcement included email newsroom@newportri.com.
Euer announced reelection campaign
Sen. Dawn Euer announced she will run for reelection to the Rhode Island Senate for District 13, representing Newport and Jamestown.
“Each year as we make progress on a variety of critical issues at the State House, it is made clear that impactful state policy has the ability to make a difference in people’s daily lives. At a time when there are intense pressures on household budgets and people are feeling disenfranchised and distrustful of our government institutions, I am more committed than ever to push for policies with everyday Rhode Islanders in mind,” Euer said in a statement.
In her time in office, Euer has been active on legislation around short-term rentals, the environment, voting access, protecting victims of sexual assault, preserving open space, and many other issues. She was first sworn into office in a 2017 special election and has served three terms.
For the last two years, Euer has chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, one of the highest-ranking committees in the Senate, responsible for advice and consent of Judges and other high-ranking cabinet members. At the beginning of 2024, she was appointed to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, which provides independent policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues. On her appointment, Euer said, “Rhode Island’s local communities know firsthand the impacts of environmental issues and climate change. I am ready to bring our voice to national conversations about climate change and environmental policy.”
Angela Lima announces she won't seek reelection
Current Ward 1 City Councilor Angela Lima in a letter sent to supporters Tuesday announced she will not be seeking another term.
Read the full letter below.
After much reflection and heartfelt deliberation, I have decided not to seek re-election for a fourth term as your Ward 1 Newport City Councilor.
Serving this vibrant, diverse community over the past three terms has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated victories, and created lasting change… and we’re only getting started.
My decision comes from a deeply personal place that is filled with gratitude.
I’m extremely thankful for all of your support over the years and could not have done this without you. Today, I find myself at a crossroads where my focus needs to shift to my family, career, and new ways I can show up for Newport.
My work advocating at the State House and with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island will continue and I will never stop championing our community.
I believe in finishing strongly and will continue fighting for the causes close to my heart.
Throughout my tenure, I have championed initiatives focused on environmental justice related to reducing carbon footprint, gas emissions, and implementing electric and solar initiatives. I was also responsible for reallocating resources in the millions to focus on stormwater runoff in our neighborhoods and surrounding businesses. Focusing on Urban development and zoning practices, I take pride in being the first in the state and second in New England to bring Equitable Development zoning into practice in order to reduce disparities while fostering places that are healthy and vibrant. I also championed a two-tiered tax system saving homeowners thousands of dollars. I was also responsible for installing Rhode Island’s First Pride Crosswalk. Most importantly, I have kept my promise in ensuring to listen and uplift the issues of our First Ward and all of Newport.
It is time for a new chapter, both for me and for our city. I believe in the power of fresh perspectives and new leadership.
We need representatives who are not entrenched in the politics of self-preservation but are instead dedicated to the real work of public service.
Our city deserves leaders who will approach governance with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to hard work.
To that end, while I will not be on the ballot this year, you’ll still see me on the campaign trail proudly supporting my friends Ellen Pinnock and Steph Smyth in their runs for City Council in Ward 1 and At-Large, respectively.
Let us continue to strive for a community where every voice is heard, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Candidate declaration deadline nears
The deadline for potential candidates to file candidate declaration forms is approaching.
Declarations of candidacy must be filed on June 24, 25, or 26. The deadline to file is June 26 at 4 p.m.
Candidates for federal offices must file with the RI Department of State Elections Division (148 W. River Street, Providence) and candidates for state and local offices file with their local board of canvassers. Forms must be printed and physically signed, and cannot be emailed or faxed.
Forms are available now online, or in-person at the RI Department of State or local boards of canvassers’ offices.
Nomination papers for declared candidates will be available to pick up on July 2. All nomination papers must be submitted to the correct local board of canvassers on or before July 12 at 4 p.m., with the exception of nomination papers for independent presidential electors, which are due on or before September 6.
The ballot placement lottery will be held on July 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the RI Department of State Elections Division.
Important dates and deadlines for candidates and voters for the upcoming statewide primary (September 10) and General Election (November 5) can be found online here or in the Election Calendar. Additional information for candidates is available in the 2024 Run for Office Guide.
To learn more about elections in Rhode Island, register to vote, or check your registration status, visit vote.ri.gov.
Ellen Pinnock announces Newport City Council Ward 1 candidacy
Ellen Pinnock today announced Tuesday she’s running for Newport City Council in Ward 1 and has received the endorsement of current councilor Angela Lima.
“My love for Newport and its residents are part of my genetic makeup. I can’t imagine living anywhere else and I’m optimistic about this new opportunity to continue improving my community,” said Pinnock in a statement.
Ellen is a born and raised Newporter and was last year’s recipient of the League of Women Voters Joan C. Arnold community service award.
Professionally, Pinnock is the director of community engagement at FabNewport where she co-leads their Young Philosophers teen leadership development program. Additionally, Ellen oversees the parent engagement component of Gov. Dan McKee’s Learn365RI initiative and formerly taught podcasting and storytelling at Rogers High School one day a week. She currently serves in a similar capacity as a resident consultant for Newport Health Equity Zone.
Pinnock is the founder of the Heart Club at Thompson Middle school which is a group of 68 students (16 of whom are Spanish-speaking students which make up “Club Corazon”) who need extra love and support growing their social-emotional skills while learning about restorative justice practices.
She also serves on the Advisory Board of Salve’s Pathways Program, Co-Chairs ReNewport alongside filmmaker and advocate Sue Sipprelle, and is a Board Member of Newport Partnership for Families.
Recently, the Newport City Council appointed Pinnock to the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Committee which will be critical in making the North End Urban Plan a reality.
Ellen is a mother, community mama, auntie, a published poet, Sunday school teacher, writer, and a student of College Unbound working toward a degree in Organizational Leadership and a teaching certificate.
For more information, visit EllenPinnock.com.
Smyth announces candidacy for Newport City Council
Sixth-generation Newporter, Steph Smyth announced her candidacy for Newport City Council.
Smyth later announced on June 18 that she will seek an at-large seat and has been endorsed by current councilor Angela Lima.
In 2022, Smyth earned 2,910 votes and narrowly missed securing a seat on the Council by 113 votes.
“I’m looking forward to harnessing the power and learnings from my first campaign and getting back on the trail. My desire to roll up my sleeves and get to work for Newport has only strengthened over the past two years and this time around I know I’ll reach even more voters,” Smyth said in a statement.
Smyth has worked in the tourism and hospitality industries, for the Newport School Department, and has dedicated more than 15 years of her career at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC). Today, she’s a Senior Contracts Administration Management Officer and Workforce Resolution Facilitator at the Naval War College.
In addition to her professional experience, Steph has worked for the National Association for Government Employees (NAGE SEIU) as a Labor Negotiator and Union Steward and served on the Federal Women’s Program Committee with the Equal Employment Opportunities Office.
Smyth is an active member of the NAACP Newport Chapter and Involve Newport. She serves the City of Newport as a commissioner to the Tree and Open Space as well as Affirmative Action committees. In 2022, Smyth was also tapped to join Newport’s Charter Review Commission.
Education, housing, resiliency, infrastructure, and transportation are among Smyth’s top areas of focus and, over the next few weeks, she’ll spend time listening to residents and rolling out her plans at StephSmyth.com.
Cortvriend seeks return to State House
Rhode Island Rep. Terri-Denise Cortvriend will run for a fourth term representing House District 72, serving Middletown and Portsmouth.
“I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for re-election to the Rhode Island General Assembly, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as your State Representative. Throughout my tenure, working with my colleagues in the House as well as town leadership in both Middletown and Portsmouth – I have worked hard to address the diverse needs and concerns of our community. One of my proudest achievements has been my dedication to preserving and enhancing shoreline access for all Rhode Islanders. Access to our beautiful coastline is not just a privilege but a fundamental right, and I have worked diligently to ensure that our beaches and waterways remain accessible to everyone.”
Cortvriend serves on the House Finance Committee and the Environment & Natural Resources Committee. She is second vice chair of the Small Business Committee and vice chair of the House Short Term Rental Study Commission. She led the 2021 Legislative Commission on Shoreline Access.
She is a founder of the Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus and has sponsored legislation to ban PFAS (forever chemicals) in food packaging and in consumer goods. She has sponsored legislation to reform the Coastal Resources Management Council and to implement a municipal composting fund.
Cortvriend can be reached at 401-472-4789 or terricortvriend@gmail.com. More information at www.terricortvriend.com.
Ceglie running for Newport 2nd Ward seat
Newport City Councilor Lynn Underwood Ceglie announces that she will run in Newport’s 2nd Ward this fall. Since 2018, Ceglie has served as an At-Large council member, three terms as 2nd Ward council member and three termsas vice chair.
“I believe my strength is in constituent services and found I am most effective serving the residents of the 2nd Ward. I would be honored to serve as the 2nd Ward councilor once again," Ceglie said in a statement.
Ceglie is a 40-year resident of Newport’s 2nd Ward and has deep family roots in Newport. She has served on the 2007 Charter Review Commission, the 375th Anniversary Committee and as vice-chair of the Zoning Board of Review. “I look forward to continuing my work on city-wide issues that help residents and businesses alike and will continue to be the same fair, responsive and responsible city councilor since taking the seat in 2014.”
Carson announces state rep. candidacy
Rhode Island Rep. Lauren Carson will run for reelection representing Newport in House District 75.
Carson was first elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2014. In her time at the State House, Carson has been particularly active on issues related to the environment, small business, tourism, government transparency, aging issues and serving her constituents.
Carson said, “I consider serving the people of Newport my highest priority. Whether it’s helping someone settle a tax claim or a question with the Department of Motor Vehicles, I am always available to help. I also interface with the Newport City Council for state-level needs. During this 2024 session, I worked closer than ever with the Council to pass bills bringing new dollars to Newport to invest in our infrastructure and climate resilience.”
Climate continues to be a pillar of Carson’s work. In 2017, she sponsored a law requiring education on flooding and sea rise for local planning board members and created a unified statewide application process for solar panel permitting. In 2021, she sponsored the Act on Climate, which sets enforceable climate emissions reduction mandates. She continues to organize the Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus to engage residents in policy discussion on implementation of the Act on Climate. She works closely with the Tree and Open Space Commission on bills to regulate tree trimming by utilities, and coordinates with the Waterfront Commission to manage houseboats in Newport Harbor.
Since 2023, Carson has led statewide efforts to study aging policies as well as the impacts of short-term rentals. She currently chairs two House Study Commissions to explore these issues and recommend policy to the House of Representatives. She serves on the House Internet, Small Business and Oversight Committees where she is chair of the Sub-Committee on Arts, Tourism and Recreation. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the House Environment Committee.
For more information about Carson’s background and plans for her next term, call 401-523-1143, email laurenhcarson@gmail.com or visit LaurenCarson.com.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Election 2024: Newport County candidate races for local, state races
