Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Newport City Council Election 2026

7 of 7

council seats up

4 contests

13 candidates

Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

City Council At-Large · Vote for up to 4

Elizabeth CullenMember of the Newport School Committee who did not file for re-election to it.3sourced
James DringNewport School Committee chair who has also chaired the city's Planning Board and Miantonomi Park Commission.5sourced
Charles HolderIncumbentLifelong Newport resident with over 30 years in the hospitality industry. Represented Newport's 2nd Ward on the City Council starting in 2020.9sourced
Meagan LandryAutomotive sales consultant who has lived in Newport for 40 years.4sourced
Jane LeBoeufFiled to run for Newport City Council at-large in the June 2026 filing period.1sourced
Taryn MazzaProject manager of the Newport Health Equity Zone at The Women's Resource Center.4sourced
Stephanie SmythIncumbentFirst-term Newport at-large councilor and contracts administration officer at the Naval War College.8sourced
Christine SullivanRetired federal social worker and full-time mother.2sourced

City Council Ward 1 · 1 seat

City Council Ward 2 · 1 seat

City Council Ward 3 · Unopposed

David Carlin IIIIncumbentIncumbent Ward 3 city councilor who filed unopposed for re-election.7sourced

Four at-large seats and one seat each in Wards 1, 2 and 3 are on the ballot.

3 notes on these statements

At-large candidate Jane LeBoeuf and Ward 3 incumbent David Carlin III did not attend the League of Women Voters of Newport County forum on Sept. 24, 2026. Newport This Week · Oct 1, 2026

David Carlin III is unopposed in Ward 3. Newport This Week · Jul 23, 2026

Charles Holder is the current mayor and council chair. What's Up Newp · Jun 25, 2026

Start here

Match quiz6 questions · answers stay on your phone Seat the CouncilPick winners, see the council What council decidesHousing, zoning and short-term rentals, Hotel development, Schools and regionalization Key datesDeadlines and vote centers

Next date

Mail ballot application deadline

Tue, Oct 13, 2026

All key dates

What the next council decides

Housing, zoning and short-term rentals

Where it standsThe council advanced, then continued, new short-term rental rules in March 2026; candidates at the September forum split on zoning for more density.

What's on the tableWhether to change zoning to allow more year-round housing, and whether to finalize limits on new short-term rentals.

A city-commissioned study found roughly one-fifth of Newport's housing stock is dedicated to seasonal and short-term rentals. Newport This Week · Jun 18, 2026
The council continued proposed short-term rental ordinance amendments for a workshop before a final vote, after a first reading the week before. Newport This Week · Mar 12, 2026
Newport outlawed new short-term rentals in residential zones in 2022. Newport This Week · Mar 12, 2026

Hotel development

Where it standsA resolution to limit new hotels failed 5-2 on June 10, 2026.

What's on the tableWhether to revise the zoning rules that allow hotels by right in the general business zone.

Hotels are allowed by right in Newport's general business zone, without planning board or zoning board of review applications. Newport This Week · Jun 18, 2026
The failed resolution would have directed the administration to present ordinance revisions to prevent or substantially limit new hotels. Newport This Week · Jun 18, 2026

Schools and regionalization

Where it standsThe council voted 5-2 in August 2025 to pursue combining Newport and Middletown school administrations; the question needs state legislation.

What's on the tableHow much the city funds the school department and whether to keep pursuing regionalization with Middletown.

The August 2025 resolution called for combining administrative functions only, with one superintendent and one finance office for both districts. What's Up Newp · Aug 14, 2025
In June 2025 the council voted 5-2 to reduce school funding from 4% to 2%. City of Newport · Jun 11, 2025

City budget and staffing

Where it standsThe council adopted a $134 million budget 6-1 on May 27, 2026, and approved new municipal positions.

What's on the tableHow much the city spends, how many new positions it adds, and how it funds wastewater repairs.

The council voted 6-1 on May 27, 2026 to adopt the city's $134 million budget, with Councilor David Carlin opposed. Newport This Week · May 28, 2026
In June 2025 the council voted 4-3 to remove all new positions from the budget ordinance. City of Newport · Jun 11, 2025

Homelessness and immigration enforcement

Where it standsCandidates at the Sept. 24 forum gave differing answers on the city's role on homelessness and on cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

What's on the tableWhat role the city plays in shelter and services for unhoused residents, and how it responds to federal immigration enforcement.

The League of Women Voters of Newport County forum on Sept. 24 covered ICE activity, homelessness and affordable housing. Newport This Week · Oct 1, 2026
A forum moderator asked candidates about the role of city government regarding Newport's large homeless population. Newport This Week · Oct 1, 2026

Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

1. Should Newport change its zoning to make multi-unit housing easier to build?
2. Should the city move to limit new hotel development?
3. Should Newport pursue combining school administrations with Middletown?
4. Should the council remove proposed new positions from the city budget?
5. What should be the city's main role in addressing homelessness?
6. Should Newport refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?

Seat the Council →

Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

Key dates

Voter registration deadlineRhode Island Department of StateOct 4, 2026
Mail ballot application deadlineRhode Island Department of StateOct 13, 2026
Early voting begins (through Nov. 2, 4 p.m.)Rhode Island Department of StateOct 14, 2026
Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)Rhode Island Department of StateNov 3, 2026

The seat math

0 stay (not up this year): 7 on this ballot

7 council seats. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.

The mayor is chosen by the seven council members from among the four at-large councilors. What's Up Newp · Jun 25, 2026
The Newport Canvassing Authority drew ballot order on July 15, 2026; no primary was needed because there were not enough candidates to force one. Newport This Week · Jul 23, 2026

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