Newman was active in the Democratic Party, serving as President of the Scioto County central committee, and as delegate to the state and national conventions.[3] He was elected in 1867 to represent Scioto County in the Ohio House of Representatives in the 58th General Assembly in 1868 and 1869.[4] He was elected to represent the 7th District in the 60th and 61st General Assemblies in the Ohio Senate in 1872-1876.[5]
Newman defeated Republican Charles Townsend and two other candidates for Ohio Secretary of State with a majority of the vote in 1882,[6] and served 1883 to 1885. He lost to James Sidney Robinson in another four way race in the 1884.[7]
Newman was Collector of Internal Revenue 1885 to 1889. Newman was married to Kate Moore October 24, 1871. They had one son, Howard Ott Newman.[8] He was Exalted Ruler of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge.[3] He died January 1, 1901, at Portsmouth,[3] or perhaps January 1, 1902.[1]