NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — The city of Newport has a new mayor after Charlie Holder was selected by his fellow city councilors to serve as mayor and chair of the council for its 2024-26 term. A spokesperson for the city said that outgoing mayor and city councilor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong offered Holder's nomination and the vote was unanimous. Holder previously served as the Second Ward Councilor for the last two terms, but decided to run as an at-large councilor during this election. "Being from here originally, I have a lot of friends and acquaintances that are from around the whole city but couldn't vote for me because I only represented the Second Ward," Holder told 12 News on Thursday. "So I [thought], 'Let me make myself available.'" Holder was born and raised in Newport and graduated from William S. Rogers High School. He works in the hospitality industry and is currently the director of operations at the Gardiner House, a Newport hotel. Holder said one of his primary goals in his new role involves the $98.5 million infrastructure bond just approved by Newport's voters. "That's going to be my focus, and getting the council to really work together and find the best way to use that money," Holder said. BACKGROUND: Newport voting on $98.5M climate resiliency bond He also wants to get Newport's new high school over the finish line and improve housing access in the city. Disputes over short-term rentals made headlines in recent months. The city council passed a ban on short-term rentals in residential districts of Newport, but new rentals will still be allowed in business zones. Holder did not support an outright ban. "You have to have a balance," Holder explained. "I think a business in the business zone, regardless of what it is, as long as it's in the ordinance and the zoning laws that we have, it should be allowed." When asked what he wants the people of Newport to know about him, Holder said he doesn't consider himself a political person. "I'm a common sense person," Holder said. "I try to gather as much information as I can before I make a decision ... I think people really need to work together to get things done." Holder said any constituents who would like to talk to him about what's going on in the city can email him at [email protected]. WATCH: Dolphins swim around boat in Newport Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes SIGN UP NOW