Days after questions were raised about his eligibility to run for re-election, Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton addressed the issue during a campaign event.

During his campaign kickoff event at Pub On the Drive, Newton stood firm and reiterated that he is a Wilton Manors resident.

“I have two opponents, one who cares where I sleep at night, which is in Wilton Manors.”

Newton’s challengers are Mark Beigay and Mike Sansevero.

The mayor has been somewhat nomadic over the past 15 months during his divorce. Some believe he was living outside the city for a time, including during the six-month residency requirement. Newton maintains his marital home was his residence until he changed it to his girlfriend’s new home in the city.

He also touched on how Wilton Manors has evolved into a vibrant LGBTQ enclave.

“Think about where we were, how the LGBTQ community was treated, even in our city. Today we are probably the safest city in America for the LGBTQ community. People can come and walk down the street and feel safe and not have anybody try to harm them.”