SALEM — City Councilman Evan Newman Wednesday resigned his at-large council seat to seek appointment as city council president.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Cydni Baronzzi Dickey, the other members of city council, and the Salem City Republican Central Committee Wednesday morning, Newman announced that he would be resigning his current council seat, which he has held since September 2022, when he was appointed to the seat left vacant when former City Council President Sara Baronzzi was chosen to succeed Tom Baker. Newman will be seeking appointment as the new city council president, a position which has been vacant since Baronzzi’s resignation officially took effect July 31.

While Newman is currently running unopposed for council president in November, he said that he was seeking appointment ahead of the election so that the city “can have a full council through the remainder of the 2025 year.” In his letter of resignation Newman also stated that he feels that he “can continue to be an asset to both council and the residents of our city in this new capacity.”

“This decision comes, not out of a desire to step away from public service, but rather from a continued commitment to serve Salem in the most effective way possible,” said Newman.

Newman said that his service thus far had been a privilege and thanked his “fellow council members, the city’s staff and safety forces, and most importantly, the residents of Salem, for their collaboration, support, and shared dedication to improving our city.”

“I look forward to the opportunity to continue working alongside you all as we strive toward a stronger future for Salem,” said Newman.