Paul Newman (politician)

Paul Newman's name on the campaign sign for the Solar Team

During Newman's first campaign for Corporation Commission in 2008, he and 3 other Democrats advanced past the primary election. Along with Sam George and Sandra Kennedy, Newman campaigned on bringing renewable solar energy to Arizona. Newman was endorsed by The Arizona Republic and the Tucson Citizen and by multiple elected officials such as Congressmen Harry Mitchell and Ed Pastor.

Newman and Kennedy ran as clean candidates under Arizona's Clean Elections system while George ran a traditional campaign. Under Arizona's Clean Elections system, the state is required to match funds raised by traditionally funded candidates up to a certain amount. The three were dubbed The Solar Team. George contributed nearly half a million dollars of his own money and pooled this money with Newman's and Kennedy's Clean Election funds. With this strategy, the Solar Team was able to run numerous television ads and post signs all over the state of Arizona. This brought more attention than normally paid to the Corporation Commission race. Although George donated much of his own money, only Newman and Kennedy won in the General Election.[5]

Newman lost re-election to the commission in 2012. Newman sought re-election to the commission again in 2018, but failed to collect sufficient nominating signatures.[6]

Newman is again seeking re-election to the commission in 2020.