Newport City Council At-Large · Nov 3, 2026

James Dring

Candidate for City Council At-Large

13 candidates · 7 seats5 sourced positions

James Dring is running for Newport City Council At-Large in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 8 candidates are running for 4 seats.

Mail ballot application deadline · Tue, Oct 13, 2026

Newport School Committee chair who has also chaired the city's Planning Board and Miantonomi Park Commission.

Where James Dring stands: positions on the record

School Committee governance1 sourced position

Supports amending the City Charter so the City Council appoints School Committee members rather than voters electing them.
“I support amending the City Charter, so School Committee members are appointed by the City Council rather than elected.”
Own statementNewport This Week · Aug 12, 2026

School regionalization1 sourced position

Says he advocated for school regionalization on the School Committee and that it no longer appears realistic in the near term.
“Although regionalization no longer appears to be realistic in the near term, I will continue to advocate for fiscally responsible solutions that protect both our students and our taxpayers.”
Own statementNewport This Week · Aug 12, 2026

Property taxes1 sourced position

Lists holding the line on property taxes among his priorities.
“Hold the line on taxes.”
Own statementNewport This Week · Aug 12, 2026

Immigration enforcement1 sourced position

Said at the forum that ICE should not be in the schools.
“Whether you’re for ICE or against ICE, it doesn’t matter; it should not be in the schools”
Forum answerNewport This Week · Oct 1, 2026

Biking and walking1 sourced position

Says the council should do more to encourage walking and biking, including free bike parking at city-owned properties.
“One simple step is to make sure bike parking is always free at city-owned properties, parks, and the beach.”
Own statementBike Newport

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