State Rep. Charles Newton of Greenville on Friday announced that he is qualifying for re-election to his House seat with the Alabama Republican Party.  He has served in the House as a Democrat since 1989.

Newton said his decision to change parties was made after much thought and deep consideration.  He believes the decision is best for his district, which currently includes all of Butler and Crenshaw counties and a portion of Conecuh County.

“I believe this decision will allow me to serve the citizens of House District 90 in the coming years, and it is one that I made with the interests of my constituents in mind.” Newton said. “Regardless of the party affiliation by my name, I promise to continue providing the same commonsense approach to the issues, the same strong respect for taxpayer dollars, and the same high ethical standards that I have given our area since first elected to the Legislature.”

As a state representative, Newton has long held a seat on the influential House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, which appropriates money to state agencies.  He also sits on the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and the House Internal Affairs Committee.

He is a former member of the Greenville City Council.

For the past 38 years, Newton has worked as a gasoline wholesaler with Newton Oil Company, a business that has been in his family for a half century.  He currently serves as its president.

Newton and his wife, Jan, have been married since 1976.  They have three children and two grandchildren.

He is a member of the Greenville Rotary Club, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, and the Alabama Historical Association.