He was a member of the following committees and commissions:[6] Newton was first elected to the House in 2008, succeeding six-term Representative Kathy Tingelstad, who did not seek reelection.

In 2009 Newton was also appointed by Speaker of the House Paul Thissen to perform an in-depth study of veterans homes.

In 2010 Thissen appointed him to co-chair the Coon Rapids Dam Legislative Commission to provide a barrier for invasive species of fish from gaining access to northeastern Minnesota waterways.

[citation needed] Active in his local community and government, Newton was a member of the Coon Rapids City Council from 1994 to 2000, and served as acting mayor from 1999 to 2000.

He has chaired the Anoka Human Rights Council and served on the Anoka County Affordable Housing Coalition, the Coon Rapids Economic Development Authority, the Crystal Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the National League of Cities (1995–2000), the Metropolitan Council Transportation Advisory Board (1996–2000), the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, and the Northstar Corridor Development Authority.