Newton Chelette, a retired college dean, is running for the Antelope Valley Community College Governing Board Area 2 seat in the Nov. 3, 2026 California general election.

The nonpartisan race also includes Arthur J. Calloway II and Ricardo Ortega. Chelette filed his ballot designation as "Retired College Dean" with the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. All three candidates are listed as nonpartisan.

Candidate information

  • Residence: Lancaster, California, since 1989
  • Birthplace: Iowa, Louisiana
  • Education: Bachelor of arts in business education, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana; master's degree in physical education, McNeese State University
  • Family: Raised three children in Lancaster

Experience and public service

Chelette held multiple roles at Antelope Valley College, spanning coaching, athletics and administration, according to his Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District governing board biography.

His career at the college began in 1989 as head men's basketball coach. He coached basketball there for 17 years. That tenure earned him an induction into the California Community College Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2008.

More recently, Chelette was inducted into the 2026 California Community College Athletic Association Hall of Fame. The honor was celebrated at the Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on April 1, 2026, at the annual convention in Burbank, according to Antelope Valley College.

Before joining Antelope Valley College, Chelette served as head boys' basketball coach at Paraclete High School.

On the administrative side, he rose through several positions at Antelope Valley College. He served as athletic director, then as dean of kinesiology, dance, athletics and visual and performing arts. He also served as interim vice president of student services.

His community involvement is broad. He has served as a board member of the Antelope Valley Sheriff's Booster Club, where he was named Director of the Year in 2011. He has also served as a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of the Antelope Valley and as a commissioner on the City of Lancaster Criminal Justice Commission.

Chelette serves as a public member of the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District governing board, according to the district's website.

On the issues

No policy positions or issue responses from Chelette were available for this profile.

Endorsements

No endorsements were available for this profile.

This profile was built from public records and official sources. It does not include a candidate interview.