About Paul
Paul Newton is a devoted family man and a respected businessman with real world experience creating jobs in the private sector.
Raised by a father who worked in textiles at Fieldcrest Mills and a mother who worked with our community college system, Paul graduated from UNC – Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a Juris Doctor degree. He also completed the Harvard Advanced Management Program.
Following five years of private legal practice, Paul Newton worked for 25 years at Duke Energy and eventually earned the responsibility to lead the company as an executive. While serving as General Counsel of its utilities, Paul was recognized by NC Business Magazine as one of North Carolina’s Legal Elite. He later retired in 2015 as North Carolina State President.
Paul’s work experience included leading the state’s largest private economic development organization. As a leader, he earned a reputation of integrity and gained respect for his down-to-earth concern for others.
Serving his community started years ago as an Advisory Board member with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Cabarrus County. Paul also served on the CEO Advisory Council of the NC Center for Non-Profits, the Board of Directors of Leadership NC, and on the Executive Committee of the NC Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Paul ran for State Senate in 2016 because he believes our community faces urgent challenges that status-quo politics will not solve. Since then, Senator Newton has worked to lower taxes for North Carolina families, raise teacher pay, repeal unnecessary red tape, create jobs, protect the Second Amendment, and make government more responsive to the people.
Not afraid to be called a conservative, Paul Newton is a conservative guided by his real-world experience and his Christian faith. He genuinely cares about others and has a proven track record of successful leadership.
Most important to Paul is his job as father and husband. The American Diabetes Association honored Paul with “Father of the Year” in 2008 for his commitment to his family.
Paul and his wife Melanie have been married over 25 years and have raised three daughters and one son. His wife Melanie runs a small business hosting weddings and special events at the family’s farm in Mt. Pleasant. They attend The Refuge church in Kannapolis.