James E. Newell was an American politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Newell was born on March 6, 1808, in Richland Township, Belmont County, Ohio. He moved to Viroqua (town), Wisconsin, in 1854. During the American Civil War, Newell was a member of the 50th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Union Army. He was a first lieutenant.
Newell was a member of the Assembly during the 1875 session. Other positions he held include District Attorney and County Judge of Vernon County, Wisconsin. He was a Republican.