Former Gov. Raimondo featured in Time Magazine's list of Most Influential People of 2023. Here's why.

PROVIDENCE — What do Gina Raimondo, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and White Lotus star Jennifer Coolidge have in common?

They all made Time Magazine's list of Most Influential People" in 2023, which in Raimondo's case begins with a retelling by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., of the oft-told story of the first time he "met" the newborn "Gina Marie."

"In 1971, my mother had me visit our neighbors to congratulate them on the arrival of their new baby, Gina Marie Raimondo. I had no idea this tiny bundle from a working-class family would become Rhode Island’s first female governor and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce."

Reed spokesman Chip Unruh told The Journal: "Time independently selected her as one of this year’s 100 most influential people.  She was already on the list when they approached Senator Reed and asked him to pen a short essay.

"He was honored to contribute an entry highlighting Secretary Raimondo’s exceptional leadership."

Who else was on Time Magazine's most influential list?

The "most influential" list includes "titans," "leaders" and "icons" in the worlds of politics, arts, innovation and beyond.

Hillary Clinton wrote the essay for "renowned Ukrainian human-rights lawyer [who] at just 39 years old, Oleksandra Matviichuk has devoted her life to protecting democracy."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said of Anthony Albanese: "From growing up in public housing to taking office last spring as Australia’s new Prime Minister, he is a symbol of hope and inspiration. "

Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Republican, hailed the current majority leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, as a man who leads "with clarity, uncanny command of persuasion, and unwavering conviction, anchored in Republican principles."

"In the past year, he led bipartisan efforts to find and secure funding for the war in Ukraine, and President Biden told him the massive bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021 “wouldn’t have happened without your hand.” Mitch knows when and how to cut a deal," Frist said of McConnell.

Jimmy Fallon nominated Drew Barrymore. Angela Bassett nominated Austin Butler. Nicole Kidman nominated Colin Farrell. Mia Farrow nominated Jennifer Coolidge. Edward Enninful, British Vogueeditor in chief, nominated King Charles III.

Why was Gina Raimondo nominated?

Reed nominated the fellow Rhode Islander once known as "Gina from Greenville."

"Gina’s brilliance, skill, and work ethic fueled her meteoric rise, while her family keeps her grounded. She has always been a fierce competitor, unafraid to tackle thorny issues and willing to sacrifice her own political fortunes for the greater good."

"As Secretary," he wrote, "she is reviving U.S. manufacturing and rebuilding our technological infrastructure.

"To return the U.S. to being the global leader in microchip production, she deftly shepherded the CHIPS and Science Act through Congress and is building the diverse coalitions needed to supercharge U.S. semiconductor production, fortify supply chains, and strengthen national security. As always, Secretary Raimondo will get the job done, credit others, and embrace the next challenge."

More: Gina Raimondo's CHIPS were up in Washington this week. Here's what's behind the attention.

The progressive-tinted industrial policy Raimondo has spearheaded for Biden through the CHIPS Act won her mentions on the front page of the New York Times, and in the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, in a 2,000-word Bloomberg profile and on MSNBC's Morning Joe program.

Biden is expected to run for reelection next year, which would rule out her own presidential run, but if he wins would open the possibility of a move within the Cabinet, such as the long-rumored replacement of Brown graduate Janet Yellen as treasury secretary.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Time Magazine's Most Influential People list includes former Gov. Gina Raimondo