Ernie Newton (politician) facts for kids

Ernest E. Newton II (born February 21, 1956) is an American politician from Bridgeport, Connecticut. Newton served for seventeen years in the Connecticut General Assembly. He was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1988 to 2003. Later, he served in the Connecticut State Senate from 2003 to 2006. In 2005, he faced serious legal issues related to his political work. He spent several years in federal prison. After his release in 2010, Newton tried to return to politics. In 2019, he admitted to breaking rules about how money was used in his 2012 election campaign.

Ernie Newton's Political Journey

Newton is a member of the Democratic Party. He started his political career in the 1980s. He was a member of the Bridgeport City Council. From 1988 to 2003, he served in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Then, from 2003 to 2006, he was a State Senator.

Newton represented an area of Bridgeport. This district was one of the less wealthy areas in Connecticut. He was seen as a very important leader in the city for over twenty years.

Legal Challenges and Consequences

During his time in the state Legislature, Newton was known for his strong speeches. He once called himself "the Moses of my people." He was also known for wearing bright, colorful suits and matching shoes.

In September 2005, Newton admitted to breaking rules about money. He admitted to taking money to help a training program get state funds. He also admitted to using money meant for his election campaign for his own needs. The person who gave him the money was also found guilty.

In February 2006, Newton was sentenced to five years in federal prison. The judge mentioned Newton's "Moses" remark. The judge said that even Moses in the Bible did not take money from his people. In February 2010, Newton was released from prison. He then moved to a halfway house in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Attempts to Return to Politics

After his release from prison, Newton tried to get back into politics.

2012 State Senate Race

In January 2012, Newton announced he wanted to return to his old State Senate seat. He received support from the Democratic Town Committee. However, in the August 2012 primary election, he lost. State Representative Andres Ayala, Jr. won the election. Newton received 1,739 votes, while Ayala received 2,129 votes.

2014 State House Race

In 2014, Newton tried again to make a political comeback. He ran for a seat in the state House of Representatives. He again won the Democratic town committee nomination. But his opponent, Andre F. Baker, Jr., forced another primary election. In August 2014, Baker defeated Newton. Baker received 697 votes, and Newton received 430 votes.

2024 State Senate Primary

In 2024, Newton ran in a primary election for the 23rd State Senate district. He ran against the current Democratic Senator, Herron Gaston. Newton lost this primary election as well.

Campaign Money Issues

In January 2013, Newton was arrested. The charges were about how his election campaign handled money.

In January 2015, Newton was found guilty of three charges related to "illegal practices in campaign financing." The jury could not agree on other charges, so a new trial was needed for those.

In May 2015, Newton was sentenced to six months in jail for the state charges. The judge noted that Newton did not personally benefit from the money. The judge said it was due to his campaign being messy and not keeping good records. Newton was allowed to stay free while he appealed the decision.

In October 2018, the Connecticut Supreme Court overturned Newton's convictions. The court said the jury instructions were not correct. The case was sent back for a new trial. In August 2019, Newton admitted guilt to the same three charges about campaign money. He received a suspended sentence, meaning he did not have to go to jail. He said he accepted responsibility for what happened in his campaign.

Return to City Council in 2017

In 2017, Ernie Newton successfully returned to politics. He was elected to the City Council again. He won the primary election in September against Councilman James Holloway. Then, he won the general election for his East End district.

Personal Life

Ernie Newton is married to Pamela Newton. They have children together.