City of Santa Cruz City Council Councilmember Scott Newsome

Scott Newsome, a lecturer in the political science department at UCSC, made his first move into electoral politics in 2022. Running successfully for the newly drawn District 4 seat on the Santa Cruz City Council, Newsome will represent voters who live in downtown, Beach Flats and part of the Westside.

A father of two, Newsome has lived in Santa Cruz for almost 10 years. His expertise is in American government, political and economic inequality and public policy. He told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that he ran for office because he “wants to give back to this great community.”

Interviewed for Santa Cruz Local’s election guide, Newsome said that the city is currently in a transitional period, both politically and economically, and the main issues that need to be addressed include housing, economic recovery, and homelessness. He said he wants to build consensus and help “provide a steady hand.”

First elected: Nov. 8, 2022

Day job: Lecturer at UCSC

Alma mater: UC Santa Cruz (Ph.D. in politics)

Notable quote: “I want young people in our community to be able to settle down here and build careers and a family.” (Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, Sept. 10, 2022)