Ernie Newton (politician) facts for kids

Ernest E. Newton II, born on February 21, 1956, is an American politician from Bridgeport, Connecticut. He served in the Connecticut state government for many years. He was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives and later the Connecticut State Senate. Newton faced legal issues related to his political work. He was released from prison in 2010. After that, he tried to return to politics several times.

Ernie Newton's Political Career

Newton was a member of the Democratic Party. He started his political journey on the Bridgeport City Council in the 1980s.

He then served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1988 to 2003. After that, he became a member of the Connecticut State Senate from 2003 to 2006. Newton represented an area of Bridgeport that was one of the poorest in Connecticut. He was seen as a very important person in the city's East Side for over 20 years.

Legal Issues and Prison Time

During his time in the state government, 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.

In 2005, Newton admitted in federal court that he had misused his position. He admitted to taking money to help a training program get state funds. He also admitted to using money meant for his election campaigns for his own personal use. 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 noted that Newton's actions did not match his "Moses" remark. Newton was released in February 2010. He then moved to a halfway house in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Attempts to Return to Politics

After his release from prison, Ernie 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 Democratic primary election, he lost. Andres Ayala, Jr. won the primary.

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 won the Democratic town committee nomination again. But his opponent, Andre F. Baker, Jr., forced another primary election. Baker defeated Newton in the August 2014 primary.

2024 State Senate Race

In 2024, Newton ran in a primary election against the current Democratic Senator, Herron Gaston. However, Newton lost this primary election as well.

Rules About Campaign Money

Newton faced more legal issues regarding how money was handled in his election campaigns.

In January 2013, he was arrested on charges related to campaign finance rules. In 2015, Newton was found guilty of three charges of "illegal practices in campaign financing." The jury could not agree on other charges.

Newton was sentenced to six months in jail for these state charges. However, the judge said that Newton did not personally gain money from the crime. The judge felt it was more due to his campaign's poor record-keeping. 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 pleaded guilty to the same three charges. He received a suspended sentence, meaning he did not have to go to prison. He said he accepted responsibility for what happened in his campaign.

Return to City Council

In 2017, Ernie Newton was elected to the City Council again. He won the general election in his East End district. He had first defeated Councilman James Holloway in the September primary election.

Personal Life

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