The latest from the 1st Congressional District election: Amo stretches fundraising lead

The announcement of Rep. David Cicilline's departure from Congress triggered a special election to fill Rhode Island's First Congressional District seat. Primary day will be Tuesday, Sept. 5, with the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Here you will find the latest news from the CD1 campaigns, with the most recent news on top.

• What to know about the special election

• Who is running for CD1

10/27 Amo stretches fundraising lead

Gabe Amo's financial advantage over GOP rival Gerry Leonard has widened entering the home stretch as Democratic donors poured money into the race this month.

Amo had $284,000 in campaign cash on Oct. 18, according to new filings with the Federal Election Commission, compared with $160,000 for Leonard.

To prevent the financial gap from being even larger, Leonard loaned his campaign $50,000 this month, doubling his personal contribution to the race to $100,000.

Amo received $167,000 in campaign contributions between Oct. 1 and Oct. 18. compared to around $23,000 in contributions to Leonard over the same period.

Notable Amo donors in the latest filings include former congressman Jim Langevin ($1,000,) Gov. Dan McKee ($500,) the National Association of Realtors PAC ($5,000,) Helena Foulkes ($1,000,) International Association of Firefighters ($5,000) and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ($5,000.)

AIPAC, a pro Israeli lobbying group, also bundled another $5,113 for Amo this month, brining the total the group has helped him raise to more than $24,000 since Aug. 17.

9/11 Primary rivals pledge Democratic unity

After a bruising primary campaign, Rhode Island Democrats came together Sunday morning to unite behind nominee Gabe Amo before his general election campaign against Republican Gerry Leonard.

In addition to members of the congressional delegation and statewide elected officials, at least seven of the 11 Democrats who ran against Amo were on hand to support him at a press event on North Main Street in Providence Sunday: Sandra Cano, Sabina Matos, Stephen Casey, Walter Berbrick, Ana Quezada, John Goncalves and Stephanie Beaute.

"I am so honored and so happy to see how we are finally having some diversity in our federal delegation and I am proud of the work you have done and I am going to be here to work with you 100%," Matos, the sitting lieutenant governor, said.

Hinting at the Democratic message for the general election, Sen. Jack Reed said Amo's "image of this country is our image. It is about working families, small biz men and women, about giving opportunity so with that opportunity people can contribute more to this country."

Of the top eight finishers in the 1st District Democratic primary, second place finisher Aaron Regunberg was the only one not at the event.

"Sending this from the woods out of state, where I’m with family: As I communicated w/team @GabeAmo, this weekend was our one chance to get away. I have expressed my support for Gabe’s election in Nov, & will continue to communicate w/my supporters about need to back his campaign," Regunberg posted on social media Monday.

In his own brief remarks, Amo said he is a "vessel for our collective hopes and dreams."

"I know I have a Republican opponent," Amo said. "I don’t know him well, but what I do know is he will be standing with a Republican [House] majority that does not want to continue the progress we have built in this country. We have to go forward, not back."

9/4 Regunberg plays up Cicilline links in closing message

On the day before the Democratic primary, Aaron Regunberg on Monday played up another endorsement he believes make him the natural successor to David Cicilline.

Combined with the earlier endorsement of Rep. Jamie Raskin, the endorsement of Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut "means that both of David Cicilline’s favorite members of Congress are backing Regunberg," the Regunberg campaign said in a news release.

Although Cicilline hasn't endorsed anyone in the 1st District primary, the Regunberg campaign has been running a television ad featuring praise from Bud Cicilline, Cicilline's uncle, played over video footage of Cicilline.

Without directly saying Cicilline favors Regunberg, a Regunberg staffer Monday suggested the endorsements of Cicilline family and friends are "not a coincidence."

The DeLauro endorsement comes after Providence City Council President Rachel Miller on Sunday endorsed Regunberg.

9/1 Gerry Leonard lines up GOP endorsements

Over in the Republican corner of Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District, 11 GOP city and town committees - and the House and Senate Minority Leaders - have endorsed Gerry Leonard over Terri Flynn.

On Friday, House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale had this to say of Leonard, who already has the state GOP endorsement:

“Thirty years in the Marine Corps, and his private sector experience has provided Colonel Leonard with the experience we need in D.C. At a time when leadership is lacking in Washington, let’s elect a real leader to represent Rhode Island."

A day earlier, Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz said: "Gerry, much like myself, is a political newcomer and was willing to step in and run for Congress to bring common sense solutions to D.C.

“Voters in Congressional District One have a unique opportunity of sending someone with leadership, integrity, and experience to Congress. That is why I am supporting Gerry’s campaign for Congress.”

According to a press release from Leonard's campaign, the GOP committees in the following cities and towns have endorsed him: Barrington, Cumberland, East Providence, Jamestown, Lincoln, Little Compton, Pawtucket, Smithfield, Tiverton, Warren and Woonsocket.

“After three decades of service protecting America abroad in the Marine Corps with distinction, Gerry Leonard has embarked on a new mission: to serve Rhode Island as our Congressman. Gerry will bring integrity and principles back to politics,” said Allyn Meyers, chairman of the Tiverton Town Republican Committee, in a statement release by Leonard's campaign.

8/30 Amo accuses Regunberg of debt limit "gamesmanship"

Gabe Amo Wednesday urged voters uncomfortable with frontrunner Aaron Regunberg's opposition to a spring debt ceiling deal to rally around him instead of the other Democrats running.

In a brief session with reporters after a Tuesday night debate in which the debt ceiling deal was a major talking point, Amo called Regunberg's preference to vote against the deal – unless he were the deciding vote – "political gamesmanship."

"Serious times deserve serious people," Amo said. "Here's the thing – in Congress, every single vote matters. Anyone who's running for Congress who thinks otherwise is being very irresponsible and very reckless with the sacred obligation placed in your hands by the voters of Rhode Island."

Regunberg in May said he would have voted against the debt ceiling deal struck by President Joe Biden and House Republicans who threatened not to raise the ceiling because it "rewards Republican hostage taking," "slashes healthcare for vulnerable communities, and protects tax cheats," among other things.

Asked Tuesday if that meant he would risk national default and a potential global economic crisis to send that message, Regunberg spokesman Matt DaSilva provided this clarification:

"To be clear, Aaron would not have voted to shut down the government if his vote was the deciding vote. That’s always been his position," DaSilva wrote. "Speaker McCarthy said he had the Republican votes to pass the agreement and Aaron, along with 50+ Democrats -- including leaders like Senator Warren, Senator Markey, Senator Fetterman, Congresswoman Katie Porter, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro -- believed that it was best to not cheerlead a Republican bill that cut funding to essential services, from food stamps for seniors to housing, childcare, and more."

Asked why the no votes mattered if the legislation was going to pass anyway, Amo said it negatively affected the government's credit rating.

Amo said he "presents the strongest candidacy in this field" and best alternative to Regunberg, but did not call on any other candidates to drop out.

8/30 Progressive Democrats of America said Amo broke fossil fuel pledge

The Progressive Democrats of America, who are backing Aaron Regunberg for Congress, accused Gabe Amo of breaking a pledge not to take campaign donations from fossil fuel lobbyists.

The organization said Amo took a combined $5,300 from three lobbyists with fossil fuel clients: Mike McKay, Jeffrey Forbes and Patrick Martin.

A page on Amo's website says he pledges "not to take contributions over $200 from oil, gas and coal industry executives, lobbyists and PACs."

"Gabe Amo never should have been taking corporate lobbyist money in the first place," the Progressive Democrats of America said in a news release. "And he certainly shouldn’t be lying about it - breaking promises to voters before even being in office."

Amo campaign spokesman Matt Rauschenbach: "PDA and Aaron Regunberg are trying to deceive voters. Otherwise, PDA would be pointing out that Aaron Regunberg's biggest contributor -- his father in law -- is an executive at a corporation that has more than $200 million invested in banned fossil fuel companies."

The description of Regunberg's father in law being his biggest contributor refers to donations to a Super PAC spending to help the Regunberg campaign.

8/29 Why you might have gotten a postcard from a friend who's supporting Aaron Regunberg

If you live in the 1st Congressional District and know someone who's backing Aaron Regunberg, there's a good chance that there's a postcard sitting in your mailbox right now.

The campaign is experimenting with a novel strategy — sending out mailers that feature a snapshot of someone the voter knows. "I'm supporting Aaron Regunberg and I hope you will too!" says the message on the cards, which are personalized with the name of the sender and the recipient.

The campaign says that it's sent out nearly 5,000 postcards so far. The underlying idea is that people may be more likely to vote if they know that a friend or family member is supporting a certain candidate.

“A family member or a friend asking you to vote for someone is way more powerful than any television ad or random phone call," organizer Yanine Castedo said in a statement.

Some of the postcards have generated confusion: For instance, one Providence Journal reporter received one that featured the photograph of a politician he once interviewed, but doesn't know otherwise. According to the campaign, volunteers went through their own contact lists and picked people who live in the district.

Hundreds of volunteers have taken part, according to the Regunberg campaign, which has nicknamed the mail program "Dear Neighbor." Those volunteers and supporters were asked to compile lists of people in their network and provide a selfie. A vendor then used that information to produce the postcards.

8/25 Donald Carlson has spent the most and has more in the bank than any other candidate

The latest update on congressional special election campaign fundraising and spending were due Thursday and show where the Rhode Island 1st District candidate finances stood as of Aug. 16. Here's who had the most cash and who had spent the most heading into the home stretch, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Of note, these totals do not include any of the money spent by outside groups in the race.

Donald Carlson: Spent – $703,866Available cash – $265,674

Gabe Amo: Spent – $444,514Available cash – $155,242

Aaron Regunberg:Spent – $364,678Available cash – $191,265

Sabina Matos:Spent – $327,814Available cash – $126,254

Sandra Cano:Spent – $233,917Available cash – $59,556

Walter Berbrick:Spent – $88,907Available cash – $50,480

John Goncalves:Spent – $80,423Available cash – $25,592

Stephen Casey:Spent – $35,633Available cash – $1,817

Ana Quezada:Spent – $28,247Available cash – $43,118

Spencer Dickinson:Spent – $15,622Available cash – $29,577

Stephanie Beaute:Spent – $10,780Available cash – $5,056

(R) Gerry Leonard:Spent – $10,508Available cash – $111,082

8/22 RI Right to Life withdraws support for state Rep. Casey after he calls his 2019 anti-choice vote 'a mistake'

State Rep. Stephen Casey's turnabout on abortion rights during a debate last week "shocked" at least one high profile supporter of his Congressional bid.

"We were shocked and horrified to hear him explicitly repudiate his pro-life position during the Aug. 17 candidate debate at Roger Williams University," Barth Bracy, the executive director of the Rhode Island Right to Life Committee, wrote about Casey, D-Woonsocket, in a widely distributed "pro-life election alert."

Bracy said Casey has his group's support based on his record as "a solid, openly pro-life legislator in the Rhode Island State House for the past ten years, cosponsoring pro-life legislation, and holding fast under pressure during the hard votes in 2019 and 2023. "

That's why Casey's statements at a forum sponsored by the Rhode Island Association of Democratic City & Town Chairs came as an unwelcome surprise, Bracy said. "He explicitly stated that 'I made a mistake' when voting against the extreme abortion passed into law in 2019 and that he supports 'a woman's right to choose."

"Many adjectives quickly come to mind to describe Mr. Casey's behavior, none quite adequate," Bracy wrote. "We clearly made a mistake when we recommended voting for this man. Please spread the word widely throughout the pro-life community."

In response to a query from a fellow candidate during the debate, he said he "made a mistake" when he voted against the so-called R.I. "Reproductive Privacy Act" – enshrining the principles of Roe V. Wade into R.I. law – and now views it as an affirmation of a Constitutional right,

"Everybody has a right to privacy," he said.

Asked if he support "a woman's right to choose," he said: "Yes, I do."

"I don't regret it," he said of his earlier votes. "I made a mistake."

Asked for his response to Bracy's comments, Casey on Tuesday said his views have not actually changed.

"As a Representative of the People, I believe we must defend the Constitution as a whole - it’s all or nothing for me. This is also why I have stood firm in defending Second Amendment rights,'' he wrote The Journal.

"As a State Representative, I have taken six oaths of office. In those oaths, I pledged to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States. As much as I disagree with the act and notion of abortion, it is my duty to defend a woman’s right to have one.

"I would hope that all Americans respect that stance and when we discuss Constitutional rights again, I expect the same reciprocation. We cannot undermine the principles on which our country was founded or rewrite the Constitution to make it fit our narrative."

8/16 Union endorsements: teachers endorse Cano; auto workers back Amo

The second of Rhode Island's two teachers unions has endorsed Sandra Cano, the chairwoman of the state Senate Education Committee, for Congress.

The Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals announced its endorsement of Cano in the 1st District special election Wednesday, about a month after the National Education Association Rhode Island PAC endorsed the Pawtucket Democrat.

“For more than a decade, Sen. Cano has supported our causes at both the local and state levels as a member of the Pawtucket School Committee, the Pawtucket City Council, and the Rhode Island General Assembly,” stated Rhode Island Federation of Teachers President Frank Flynn said in a news release.

The union plans to run a get-out-the vote effort to help Cano, including mail, phone banking and door-to-door canvassing.

A day earlier, the United Auto Workers Rhode Island CAP Council, which represents workers in several industries including manufacturing and gambling, endorsed Gabe Amo for Congress.

"Gabe has the background and experience to fight for workers and unions in Congress as our representative from Rhode Island,” said Dave Sherman, Vice Chair of the UAW’s Rhode Island CAP Council in a news release.

The UAW's Rhode Island members include employees at General Dynamics Electric Boat and Bally's casinos.

8/15 Senate President Ruggerio backs Sen. Cano over Sen. Quezada

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has endorsed a loyal member of his leadership team - Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Sandro Cano - over another Democratic Senator running for Rhode Island's open Congressional seat.

In choosing Cano, D-Pawtucket, over Sen. Ana Quezada, D-Providence, Ruggerio said: "Sandra is thoughtful and compassionate, and she has demonstrated the ability to bring diverse groups together to deliver results, even on some of the most difficult challenges facing our state."

"As chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, Sandra has worked to close achievement gaps, increase mental health supports, improve financial literacy and civics education, and improve access to education and quality of education at all levels," he continued. "She has been a star for us in the state Senate, and she will make a great Congresswoman.”

Ruggerio join several of his fellow North Providence Democrats supporting Cano, including Mayor Charles Lombardi - who has publicly acknowledged voting for former Republican President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 - and North Providence Town Council members Dino Autiello (the council president), Steven Loporchio, Ronald R. Baccala, Jr, and Ken Amoriggi.

Cano is one of a dozen Democrats vying to replace David Cicilline in R.I. 1st Congressional District seat, including fellow Senator Quezada.

Quezada's response to Cano endorsement by Ruggerio: "No surprise.

"I have never been afraid to speak my mind to leadership in the Senate or to stand up for what I know is right, even if it goes against the party line. My job at the State House is to get things done for my constituents, not to cozy up to leadership so they'll support my career ambitions."

"We know that the Democratic establishment has been trying to decide this race since day one, but I remain committed to taking my message directly to the people of Rhode Island so that they can decide who will best represent them.," she said.

In other endorsement news, former Rep. Aaron Regunberg's Congressional campaign announced an endorsement by " Friends of the Earth Action."

The Regunberg camp described the group as a " 501(c)4 affiliate of Friends of the Earth...the largest grassroots environmental network in the world. " For Regunberg, it was the latest in a series of endorsements by environmental groups.

In a related development, Quezada rolled out her "policy platform."

"Most of the attention in this race so far has been focused on money, endorsements, TV ads and other distractions that tell us nothing about how the candidates would lead if elected to Congress,: she said. "I want to talk about the issues Rhode Islanders actually care about and I’m willing to tell them exactly where I stand...[on] healthcare, housing, support for public schools, and a woman’s right to choose."

She also cited specific legislation proposed in recent years in Congress for which she said she would vote, including legislation championed in the U.S. Senate by Rhode Island's Sheldon Whitehouse to shore up Medicare by making high earners pay more, and "HR 3755" to embed Roe V. Wade in federal law.

8/11 GOP candidate attacks Regunberg over Jane Fonda endorsement

Gerry Leonard, the GOP-endorsed candidate in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, is slamming Aaron Regunberg for accepting an endorsement from actress and antiwar activist Jane Fonda.

“Aaron is the only candidate we can trust in this race to truly stand up to Big Oil,” Fonda says in a new ad for the progressive Democrat. “As a state legislator, he created new clean energy programs. As a community organizer, he helped block dangerous new gas infrastructure. And as a lawyer, he supported litigation to help hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the climate deception and fraud.”

Leonard held a press conference at Providence's Memorial Park on Friday afternoon to condemn the endorsement, which was first announced by the Regunberg campaign over a month ago.

“This endorsement goes against everything veterans represent,” Leonard said in remarks live-streamed by Coalition Radio, calling it “a slap in the face of every veteran and veteran family who sacrificed so much for our country.”

Leonard describes himself on his website as a former U.S. Marine whose 30-year career “included multiple overseas deployments with combat tours in Kuwait, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan as an infantry and reconnaissance officer.”

At the press conference, Leonard said that his mentor had been a Vietnam veteran who often spoke about the “negative impact” that Fonda’s visit to Hanoi had on American troops. He noted that Fonda had posed on “an anti-anticraft gun that was used to shoot down American planes” — something that Fonda has since said that she was manipulated into doing, and apologized for.

Leonard noted that he was not condemning protests or anti-war activism, but said that Fonda was guilty of “near-treasonous behavior.”

Matt DaSilva, Regunberg’s campaign spokesperson, said in an emailed statement: "Jane Fonda is a leader in the fight for climate justice and our campaign is proud to have her support. Republicans love to try to distract from the fact that their party continues to break our country's promises to its veterans by underfunding and privatizing services. And they're attacking Aaron because they know he's the strongest candidate in this race to stand up for our Democratic values. In Congress, Aaron will fight to fully fund the VA with the staff and infrastructure needed to provide the benefits our nation's veterans earned and deserve."

8/10 Regunberg courts the progressive Latino vote

Two more House progressives announced they are backing Aaron Regunberg for Congress Thursday: Reps. Greg Casar of Texas and Delia Ramirez of Illinois.

The endorsements are the first Regunberg has received from members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which is supporting Sabina Matos.

Casar is a leader in the Congressional Progressive Caucus where Regunberg has drawn significant support.

"I first met Aaron Regunberg in 2018 at the U.S.-Mexico border, where we were both involved in protesting Donald Trump’s inhumane immigration policies,” Ramirez said in a news release.

8/7 Matos moves to 1st District

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos now lives in the district she hopes to represent in Congress, her campaign said Monday.

Matos, who has lived for years in the Silver Lake section of Providence, said after she announced her intention to run for Congress that she planned to move to a part of the city across the line in the 1st District.

Initially, she had planned to rent a home on Miller Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood.

But on Monday campaign spokesman Evan England said Matos had moved in with her sister on Gridley Street in the Charles neighborhood.

Politicians are not required to live in a congressional district to represent it, but it has become customary in Rhode Island for candidates in Rhode Island to live in the district.

Last year Seth Magaziner rented a Cranston home in the 2nd District when he decided to run for that seat despite owning a home in the 1st District.

8/4 Board of Elections to consider signature investigation – again

Just when it looked like the signature-gathering debacle haunting Sabina Matos' campaign was in the rear-view mirror ... maybe not.

The Board of Elections announced Friday that on Tuesday it will consider whether to do more to look into allegations of falsified nomination signatures.

"The board may discuss the ongoing investigation in connection with the nomination papers submitted on behalf of United States congressional candidate Sabina Matos, and may vote to commence further investigatory actions in this matter," says the single agenda item for the Board's meeting in Cranston on Tuesday.

No more details of what the board has in mind were immediately available.

Two weeks ago the board certified the dozen Democrats who will appear on the September special primary ballot.

And on Tuesday, after suggestions that it should have probed deeper into Matos' nomination signatures, the board said in a statement that it "faced an extremely tight deadline to certify nomination papers" and supports legislation that could provide more time in future elections. That appeared to be its last word on the matter until the meeting announcement Friday.

Independent of any question about Matos' having qualified for the ballot, Attorney General Peter Neronha's office is investigating whether the gathering of signatures on behalf of her campaign included any criminal violations of law.

8/1 And even more Senate colleagues endorse Cano ... who launches first ad

State Sen. Sam Bell, among the most left-leaning lawmakers in Rhode Island, has joined the ranks of senators endorsing Sandra Cano for Congress.

"She’s the best choice for progressive voters in this race," Bell said in a news release. "Motivated by her compassion for the most vulnerable, Sandra has the most consistent record of championing progressive values of anyone in this race."

Bell's endorsement of Cano, a candidate not known as one of the most progressive in the General Assembly, is another sign that the state's left wing remains somewhat divided in the congressional campaign and unlikely to consolidate around any one candidate.

Bell is the 11th senator to endorse Cano.

Update: On Thursday Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson endorsed Cano, making it an even dozen senators.

Also this week, Cano launched her first television ad, a 30-second spot focused on her personal story as a "Colombian immigrant, public school kid, daughter of gun violence survivor, and mom faced who's faced reproductive health issues."

7/27 More Senate colleagues endorse Cano

Add Sens. Louis DiPalma and Valerie Lawson to the list of state senators endorsing colleague Sandra Cano for Congress.

DiPalma, who is also the Senate Finance Committee chairman, and Lawson, are the 10th senators to back Pawtucket Democrat Cano.

"We serve on the Finance and Education Committees together and I have watched her work hard to build support to pass policies that affect children and families across Rhode Island," DiPalma said in a news release.

7/26 Matos scores endorsement from D.C. PAC committed to "voter access" and "fair elections"

PROVIDENCE – Despite the state police-led investigation underway into the signature gathering that qualified her for the Sept. 5 Democratic primary ballot, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos' congressional campaign has scored an endorsement from a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group that calls itself: Defend the Vote.

Defend the Vote describes itself as "a political action committee dedicated to preserving our democracy by electing candidates, up and down the ballot, who will fight to ensure fair elections, voting access, voter education and voter protection."

“Sabina Matos is a public servant to her core,” said Providence native and Defend The Vote Executive Director Brian Leme in a statement released by the Matos campaign.

“Rhode Islanders deserve a representative who will relentlessly combat MAGA extremism, champion democracy and protect American freedoms, including the right to vote and a woman’s right to choose,'' he said.

7/25 Regunberg to air his first TV ad Wednesday, amid more airtime buys

Former Rep. Aaron Regunberg is bound for TV on Wednesday, with his first television ads of this off-year Congressional campaign season.

He joins Lt. Gov. Sabino Matos and former White House and Raimondo-era staffer Gabe Amo on-air, with what his campaign described as an initial $40,000 airtime buy for two rotating ads. (A third Democratic candidate, Donald Carlson, announced Tuesday that he has "reserved" $115,000 worth of airtime from mid-August through primary day on Sept. 5.)

The first of two Regunberg ads expected to start airing on Wednesday contains tributes to him by legislative and other supporters, including state Reps. Cherie Cruz, Leonela Felix, Susan Donovan and Kathy Fogarty; Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois; a union-affiliated nurse and a pizza shop owner.

As described, the camera goes from one to the other saying: "Aaron brought together…small businesses...unions...and elected officials... to win paid sick leave for Rhode Island,'' had a role in "creating new clean energy programs...Took on corruption...Won us better healthcare, wages, and jobs...Aaron works with and for the people."

It ends with Regunberg saying: "Together, we’ve delivered real progress for Rhode Islanders. And we’re just getting started."

In the second spot, hailing him as "the progressive choice," says: "We need Medicare for All, so no one has to choose between their health and bankruptcy. And we need a Green New Deal, to build a clean energy future and create good-paying union jobs."

7/25 Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC endorses Regunberg

The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC endorsed Aaron Regunberg Tuesday.

"Aaron Regunberg has dedicated his life to promoting the common good and taking on special interests and it is critical that Congressman David Cicilline’s successor has the record and values necessary to build on his substantial progressive legacy," Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC Co-Chairs Reps. Mark Pocan, Pramila Jayapal and Jamie Raskin said in a news release.

Cicilline had served as vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

7/24 Matos to run first ad Tuesday as air war heats up

As she looks to put the criminal investigation into her nominating papers behind her, Sabina Matos is set to air her first television ad Tuesday.

The 30-second spot is called "worked hard."

"Sabina Matos: Came for opportunity; packed boxes in a jewelry factory; learned English by night. Worked hard," the ad says. "Went to school; became a citizen; stepped up to serve, council president, lieutenant governor. Worked hard."

Matos "will spend more than $100,000 on the ad over the next two weeks" her campaign said in a news release.

The Matos television buy comes the same day Democratic rival Gabe Amo announced he has bought $225,000 worth of air time for his first television ad.

7/24 Amo endorsed by Collective PAC, set to air first TV ad

The Collective PAC, a Washington group supporting Black political candidates, has endorsed Gabe Amo for Congress and promised to help him win the Rhode Island 1st Congressional District special election this fall.

The Collective PAC is lead by former Rhode Island Democratic Party executive director Tolulope Kevin Olasanoye, who ran the state party while Amo was a member of then-Gov. Gina Raimondo's staff.

"A Pawtucket native, and Rhode Islander to his core, there is no better representative for the people of Rhode Island than Gabe," Olasanoye said in a news release. "The Collective PAC will work hard to ensure that Gabe is successful in September and that Rhode Island sends a representative to Congress who has the experience to get things done, stand up to MAGA Republicans and protect the rights we hold dear: a woman’s reproductive rights, the right to be safe from gun violence, and the right to retire with dignity and the benefits you earned."

Also on Monday Amo announced that he will begin running a television ad Tuesday as part of a $225,000 buy.

7/20 Firefighter candidate Casey endorsed by firefighters

State Rep. Stephen Casey, a Woonsocket firefighter, has won the endorsement of the Rhode Island State Association of Firefighters for his 1st Congressional District bid.

Calling Casey "a 17-year dedicated public servant and advocate for the safety and well-being of Rhode Island communities," the state firefighters association hailed "Casey's steadfast commitment to firstresponders.

"As a State Representative in Woonsocket District 50, Casey has demonstrated acomprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by firefighters. He has an exemplary trackrecord of advocating for their rights which has earned him the respect and endorsement of thesedistinguished firefighter associations."

7/19 Teachers union endorses Senate Education Chair Cano

The political arm of the National Education Association Rhode Island has endorsed Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Sandra Cano's bid for Congress.

According to a press release issued by the teachers union on Wednesday: the NEARI "Political Action Committee for Education (NEARI-PACE) met Saturday and voted unanimously to endorse [Cano] for the First Congressional District" seat vacated mid-term by David Cicilline.

“From her very early days in public life as a Pawtucket School Committee member to now chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, Cano has demonstrated a deep commitment to prioritizing and strengthening public education in Rhode Island,” said NEARI-PACE Committee Chair and NEARI Vice President Amy Mullen.

“Senator Cano is a steadfast champion for public education advocating for school construction, universal Pre-K and early childhood education, healthy school meals for all, increased school mental health services, and expanded affordable access to higher education.

Added state Sen. Valarie Lawson - the current NEARI president: “Sandra is a fierce advocate focused on effective policy that truly makes an impact on people’s lives and she does not shy away from reaching across the aisle to get the work done."

Cano's response: “When I came to this country at age 16, I spoke no English. My public education allowed me to learn the language, and ultimately live my own version of the American Dream...When we support teachers, our students have a better chance to thrive."

7/19 Regunberg's East Bay endorsements include Bud Cicilline

The Aaron Regunberg campaign announced endorsements from nine current and former East Bay elected officials including David Cicilline's uncle.

The endorsements are: Former Newport State Sen. Bud Cicilline, State Sen. Linda Ujifusa of Portsmouth, State Rep. Susan Donovan of Bristol, State Rep. Lauren Carson of Newport, State Rep. Michelle McGaw of Portsmouth, State Rep. Terri Cortvriend of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Town Council members Len Katzman, J. Mark Ryan, and Daniela Abbott.

“When my nephew David resigned from Congress, I was bummed to be losing him as a representative,” Cicilline said in a news release. “But knowing Aaron Regunberg’s running, I feel much better.

7/18 Building trades endorsements continue for Matos

The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 51 union Tuesday endorsed Sabina Matos for Congress in the latest pledge of support for her campaign from the building trades since the Laborers International Union backed her last week.

“For over a decade in public service, Sabina Matos has been a champion for hard-working Rhode Island families," Paul Alvarez, Business Manager for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 51 said in a news release. "She has worked tirelessly to support projects that put our members to work and strengthen Rhode Island’s economic future."

7/15 Matos 4th in Q2 fundraising; Carlson with largest campaign bank balance

Sabina Matos may be the frontrunner in the race for Rhode Island's 1st District seat in Congress, but she'll be fighting a financial disadvantage heading into the final months of the primary campaign.

Matos raised $211,000 in the second quarter of the year and had $215,000 in cash at the start of this month, according to her campaign's most recent quarterly filing with the Federal Elections Commission Saturday.

Matos' fundraising haul in the second quarter is less than half of what Democratic rivals Aaron Regunberg and Gabe Amo reported over the same period: $470,000 and $460,000 respectively.

And it is less than the $313,000 Don Carlson raised in the second quarter, according to his campaign filing.

Carlson boasted the largest campaign warchest among the 1st District candidates at the end of June with $770,000 in the bank, according to his filing.

Regunberg ended the second quarter with $397,000 in the bank and Amo $311,000.

Sandra Cano raised $142,000 in the second quarter and had $250,000 cash on hand, according to her FEC report.

Walter Berbrick raised $146,000 in the second quarter and had $104,000 in the bank.

Nicholas Autiello raised $121,000 in the second quarter and has $97,000 in his campaign account.

John Goncalves raised $97,000 in the second quarter and had $56,000 in the bank.

Stephen Casey raised $49,600 in the second quarter and has $36,000 in cash on hand.

Stephanie Beaute raised $6,200 in the second quarter and had $5,800 in the bank.

Over on the Republican side, Gerry Leonard raised $32,000 in the second quarter and had $31,000 in the bank.

7/14 Matos nets endorsement from R.I. Laborers District Council

In the competition for the support from Rhode Island's boots-on-the-ground unions, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos has won the coveted endorsement of the Rhode Island Laborers District Council.

An arm of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, the district council representing seven LIUNA locals with, more than 10,000 members in Rhode Island, "enthusiastically” endorsed Matos' bid for Rhode Island's open 1st Congressional District seat. And so far, none of the other candidates have challenged the legitimacy - and behind the scenes workings - of the endorsement as has happened in other cases.

A statement issued by the council called her “a dedicated and passionate voice for working families.”

"Over her public service career, Sabina Matos, time after time, has stood with the men and women of LIUNA, never wavering in her support for construction development, pathways to apprenticeship, and support for public employees,” said Michael F. Sabitoni, LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer.

“Sabina Matos represents the American Dream,” said Donato A. Bianco, Jr., LIUNA Vice President and New England Regional Manager. “She is prepared to represent all Rhode Islanders in Washington with a common-sense approach to getting things done while never forgetting the needs of working families.”

"For over a decade in public service, supporting working people has been one of my top priorities and Rhode Islanders can count on me to continue that work in Congress,” said Matos, in her own statement.

Asked to cite examples of Matos' past actions that won the endorsement, Adam Lupino issued this statement on behalf of the district council:

"During her time on the Providence City Council, Sabina Matos led the effort for TSA reform, helped expand construction pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship career pathways, and supported economic development projects that created family-supporting union construction jobs." (He referred to tax stabilization agreements for economic developments projects.)

"As [Lieutenant] Governor, Sabina Matos has continued to advocate for these initiatives."

7/13 An endorsement for Cano generates controversy within UNAP

PROVIDENCE – State Sen. Sandra Cano's Congressional bid has won the endorsement of Rhode Island's largest health care workers union, but the announcement – and the manner in which the endorsement vote was conducted – have generated controversy within the ranks of the United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP)

In making the announcement on Thursday morning, UNAP President Lynn Blais said: “Since Senator Cano was elected to the State Senate, she has been a champion for the issues that matter to our members and has always been there for us when we needed her."

She did not specify actions that Cano, a Pawtucket Democrat, has taken as a state Senator that won the union's endorsement, but she said: “We trust Sandra to work with state and federal leaders to address the critical issues facing our members and all health care workers."

Blais cited as examples: "Critical nursing shortage, short staffing, hospital funding and Medicaid reimbursement, future pandemic preparation, mental health and developmental disability funding, mandatory overtime, workplace violence, and the overtaking of local hospitals by for-profit entities that are more concerned about their bottom line than they are about treating workers fairly and providing quality health care.”

Elaborating, union spokesman Brad Dufault said Cano "stood with us on numerous picket lines as our local nurses and health professionals have fought for fair wages and benefits and better working conditions" and was "instrumental in steering more ARPA funding to our hospitals that were struggling due to the pandemic."

In response to a Journal inquiry, Dufault cited several bills Cano co-sponsored of import to health care workers. Among them: the 2021 minimum staffing mandate for nursing homes, a phased-in $15 an hour minimum wage, and more recent bills to extend subsidized "Rite Track" coverage to children up to age 19 and make services provided by school social workers and certified school psychologists eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.

For the record: Dufault's company, Checkmate Consulting Group, is also the Cano campaign’s "general media consultant focusing on TV, streaming and digital advertising, and direct mail," according to May 11 Cano press release.

According to the UNAP statement provided by Dufault: "The union plans to run a comprehensive member to member Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort, including direct mail, phone banking, door-to-door canvassing and early voting efforts, in support of Senator Cano’s campaign."

But Bill Deware, treasurer of UNAP Local 5098, voiced his displeasure with the way he believes the union's leadership steered the endorsement to Cano, at the expense of former House Rep. Aaron Regunberg, who is also running for the open 1st Congressional District seat.

"As a longtime member and activist in UNAP, and the treasurer of my local, I was incredibly disappointed at the decision by UNAP's leadership to orchestrate this vote on a day when many local presidents were absent," Deware said.

"Aaron Regunberg was there for us when we went out on strike – he walked the picket line with us every day. I know I and many of my brothers and sisters in the union will be strongly supporting Aaron come September," Deware said.

Responding on behalf of the union, Brad Dufault, the son of political consultant and one-time state Democratic Party chief Guy Dufault told The Journal:

"The vote took place on Wednesday night. All RI local UNAP presidents were present. This was the first and only vote to endorse in the CD1 race. UNAP does not disclose the Board's vote totals."

A year ago, UNAP endorsed another candidate in the current congressional race - Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos - in her bid for election to the position to which she had been appointed by new Gov. Dan McKee. At that time, Blais called Matos "a strong and loyal advocate for Rhode Island's nurses and health care workers."

Blais' 2022 statement on Matos said, in part: "As Lt. Governor, she helped advocate for relief money for the hospitals who were financially impacted by the pandemic – helping to keep our critical community hospitals from being taken over by for-profit corporations who are more concerned about their bottom line than they are about providing quality patient care....Rhode Island needs a Lt. Governor who stands up for patients and those who care for them."

7/13 Amo nets endorsement of Congressional Black Caucus PAC

Gabe Amo's congressional campaign has announced an endorsement by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC.

“At this moment in our history, when so many of our rights and freedoms are under attack, we need strong, effective leaders like Gabe in Congress," said Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the CBCPAC chairman.

"Gabe will stand up to extreme MAGA Republicans and work to get things done for Rhode Islanders: pass common sense gun safety legislation, protect Social Security and Medicare, and protect a woman’s right to choose," Meeks said, in a statement released by Amo's campaign.

Amo is a Raimondo-era staffer who most recently worked for the Biden administration as the White House deputy director of intergovernmental affairs.

7/12 New Carlson ad draws attention to daughter's brush with active shooting incident in March

Political newcomer Don Carlson has posted a new digital ad featuring his daughters that accuses "MAGA politicians" of attacking "families like mine."

The 15-second, mixed message spot displays photos of two young women his campaign identified as Carlson's daughters, Katie (26) and Ella Hope (21), unidentified others and side-by-side photos of top Congressional Republicans Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy. ("The [other] photos without Don in them are stock photos," his campaign said.)

The ad does not explicitly mention that Carlson was one of two candidates in R.I.'s 1st Congressional District race who won endorsements in May from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, which describes itself as "the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ+ leaders to public office," though his campaign said the ad encompasses LGBTQ+ concerns.

In the ad, Carlson says: "MAGA politicians attack families like mine. But when it comes to protecting kids from real threats like gun violence, they don’t care.

"We know. My daughter had to shelter from an active shooter. And I’m running for Congress because enough is enough."

The tagline: "Fighting to pass gun safety laws."

When asked to elaborate on the ad, including where and when Carlson's daughter found herself in hiding from an active shooter, spokeswoman Chelsea DeCesare told The Journal:

"The point of the ad is that all American families are under attack by MAGA Republicans, who are restricting abortion rights and threatening equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

"Don’s daughter Ella Hope was at a crowded college party on the campus of Colby College this past March. Two young men got into a brawl and one broke a bottle over the other’s head. The injured man pulled out a 9mm [Ruger] pistol and began firing.

"In the ensuing chaos, students went into lockdown. Ella sheltered in place in a locked, darkened room with a group of fellow students while pictures of blood-spattered walls and speculation about who was dead or injured flashed around on their phones.

"Students were left sheltering in place for hours until the early morning. For days, Ella experienced the traumatic impacts that too many American families have endured," DeCesare said.

7/11 Regunberg endorsed by Khanna, Schakowsky

Aaron Regunberg now has three endorsements from members of Congress as U.S. Reps. Ro Khanna and Jan Schakowsky announced Tuesday they would back the candidate in Rhode Island's 1st District.

Khanna, from California's Silicon Valley, is "regularly discussed as a potential contender in future Democratic presidential nominations," the Regunberg campaign said in a news release.

“Aaron Regunberg is the only candidate in this race with a record of standing up to Big Pharma and the health insurance industry to fight for Medicare for All,” Khanna said in the release.

Schakowsky, whose district is north of Chicago, is chief deputy whip in Democratic leadership.

Congressman Jamie Raskin endorsed Regunberg earlier in the year.

7/11 On day of closed-to-press campaign rollout, GOP candidate Leonard introduces himself

On the day of his closed-to-media campaign announcement, Republican Congressional candidate Gerry Leonard has launched his campaign website and issued a press release laying out his reasons for running for Rhode Island's open 1st Congressional District seat.

A retired Marine colonel who describes himself as a "13th generation Rhode Islander whose ancestors fled England to escape religious persecution," Leonard said:

“I am running for Congress because I believe that we need new common-sense leadership in Washington ... I am tired of the status quo, where career politicians put self and party before the people they represent. I am committed to fighting for common-sense solutions and the hard-working people of Rhode Island."

While he has not yet publicly spelled out his positions on many issues, he calls himself a "strong proponent of term limits" and says he "believes what most Rhode Islanders believe – Americans know how to live their lives better than government bureaucrats and professional politicians do."

According to Leonard, he "served for 30 years in the Marine Corps, including multiple overseas deployments with combat tours in Kuwait, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is a recipient of the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. "

After retiring from the military, Leonard says he worked in the private sector as a construction executive for Bentley Construction.

Currently a resident of Jamestown, Leonard says he grew up "in a middle-class family of educators ... attended public schools and graduated from North Kingstown High in 1983 where he excelled as an athlete in basketball, football, and baseball. He was in fact named the North Kingstown Athlete of the Year in 1983 by the Standard-Times Newspaper."

He describes himself as "a parachutist and combatant diver" who, in 2019, after retiring from the military "hiked the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail with his son Rex to raise money for Project Healing Waters Fly-Fishing, a non-profit organization which supports disabled veterans."

Leonard is one of four declared Republican candidates for Rhode Island's open Congressional seat. Friday is the deadline for candidates to submit nominating petitions with the 500 validated signatures required to qualify for the ballot.

7/10 Who'd be the better 'Mama' in Congress?

State Senator - and Congressional candidate - Sandra Cano is once again questioning the legitimacy of an endorsement that went to another candidate in the race for Rhode Island's open 1st Congressional District seat. In this case, the endorsement was bestowed by the "Vote Mama PAC."

The endorsement went to Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, one of the six Democratic women who have declared their candidacy for the open seat. All are mothers, according to the Cano campaign.

In a Tweet announcing the endorsement, @VoteMamaPac called Matos: "a fierce defender of our rights."

Cano's issue: "Their endorsement survey specifically asks: ‘Is there another Mama running as a Democrat in your race?’ – explaining that if there are other eligible "mamas," candidates should not apply for endorsement and instead reconnect after the primary.

"For these reasons, Sandra Cano – a mother of a three-year-old daughter and six-month-old son – did not seek this endorsement," she said. She called on the group to rescind the Matos endorsement.

She is also asked what Matos told the group that led it to "ignore" its own rules.

But Matos campaign spokesman Evan England said the lieutenant governor disclosed there were other mothers in the Congressional race. And the Vote Mama PAC issued this statement:

Statement from Vote Mama PAC:

"The special election for Rhode Island Congressional District 1 created unique circumstances for our endorsement. Vote Mama PAC chose to make an exception and endorse Lieutenant Governor Matos, the clear front-runner in a crowded primary."

Vote Mama, describes itself as the first PAC focused solely on electing Democratic moms. It's aim: "increase the political power of moms by stepping in to disrupt the systems that hold women back through direct financial support, mentorship, and endorsements."

In a statement issued by the Matos campaign, Liuba Grechen Shirley, Vote Mama Founder and CEO, said:. “Working families need strong advocates in Congress now more than ever. From the cost of childcare to attacks on our reproductive rights, and a rising gun violence epidemic — it’s clear that our nation is battling multiple crises.

“Our entire nation is better served when more pro-choice, Democratic moms are in office," she said.

There are four other female candidates in the race who, in addition to Matos and Cano include: Sen. Ana Quezada, Stephanie Beauté, Bella Noka and Mickeda Barnes.

Matos has also netted endorsements from Emily's List, Elect Democratic Women, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC, Latino Victory Fund and the PODER PAC, according to her campaign.

7/10 The RI GOP's 'stealth' candidate

Gerry Leonard, the Republican with a unannounced endorsement from the state GOP, is holding his official campaign announcement on Tuesday at an undisclosed location: no media allowed.

The invitation reads: "Please note this event is closed to members of the press."

It is an unusual approach for any candidate, let alone a candidate with no previous political experience or public track record.

Asked the rationale, campaign spokesman Kenneth Naylor said: "The event Tuesday is for his family and supporters," but he said then candidate would do one-on-one interviews.

As for the state GOP endorsement, it was bestowed by state GOP Chairman Joe Powers alone - not the state central committee - on the recommendation of a nominating committee. Of the four declared Republicans for R.I.'s open 1st Congressional District seat, Powers said, Leonard was the only one who sought the endorsement.

7/10 One less candidate in the race

Days ahead of Friday's signature-gathering deadline for the 35 declared candidates for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District seat, Democrat Paul LeBon has announced he is withdrawing "after having a mini-stroke."

In an open letter that he said he was writing from the hospital, LeBon "the pace of getting out and collecting 373 (of 500) signatures got the best of me."

"Having now suffered 5 TIAs, as well as a Deep Vein Thrombosis experience on a flight three years ago, my doctors say in the event that I would miraculously win the election, the demand of the work and travel would likely overwhelm me."

But he said he's not done sharing his ideas. "On June 30 I shared my idea for a microchip plant at Quonset State Airport with Commerce Secretary [Gina] Raimondo and she called it a great idea.," he said.

7/6 Regunberg, Amo evoke Hollywood names, images

It was a Hollywood kind of day on the Rhode Island campaign trail.

One of the candidates in the race to succeed David Cicilline in Congress evoked both images and the theme song from the popular 1999-2006 TV show, The West Wing, while another touted an endorsement from a group affiliated with actress/activist Jane Fonda.

Democrat Gabe Amo Tweeted out a link to a new video ad that displays photos of him during his time as a White House aide, most recently as the deputy director of intergovernmental affairs assigned to work local leaders around the country.

It begins: "The West Wing, where Gabe Amo served two presidents, President Obama and President Biden, where he was called 'the heart and soul of the operation,' at the table, tackling some of the toughest problems of our time."

With a one-word tweak, the ad quotes what his former boss, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, the White House director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, said about him to the Washington Post after he resigned to run for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District seat: “He was the heart and soul of our operation who approached every task, big or small, with the attitude of, ‘Give me a shovel and show me where to dig'."

Democrat Aaron Regunberg announced an endorsement – and $5,000 donation – from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which his campaign described as "a national political action committee founded by actress and activist Jane Fonda to help defeat fossil fuel-backed politicians and elect climate champions."

“Aaron has proven his commitment to tackling the climate crisis," said Fonda, in a statement made public by the Regunberg campaign.

"As a state legislator, he created new clean energy programs; as a community organizer, he helped block dangerous new gas infrastructure; and as a lawyer, he supported litigation to hold fossil fuel  companies accountable for their climate deception and fraud," the statement said. .

“We already have everything we need to secure a clean energy transition. The problem is political – we need to overcome the stranglehold the fossil fuel industry has on our government. That’s why I’m in this race," Regunberg said.

6/30 Regunberg says he raised $470,000; Amo $460,000 in Q2

On the day a staggering 35 candidates pulled papers to run for Congress, at least two campaigns dropped big second quarter fundraising numbers.

Aaron Regunberg's campaign said it raised more than $460,000 from April through June and then, over the weekend, bumped that number up to $470,000.

Gabe Amo's campaign initially said it raised $450,000 over that period and then, after a final count, raised its tally to $460,000..

"This is the highest fundraising total publicly released by any candidate so far in this race," the Regunberg campaign said in a news release. "It’s particularly notable given that the Regunberg campaign is not self funded and does not accept corporate PAC money."

Amo's campaign said it had received donations from "more than 1,000 unique donors in the ten and a half weeks since its launch."

Friday was the final day of the quarter but campaigns have until July 15 to report their second quarter cash hauls to the Federal Election Commission.

The Sabina Matos campaign has not commented on its second quarter fundraising yet.

6/26 The Progressive Democrats of America are Regunberg's latest national endorsement

The Progressive Democrats of America endorsed Aaron Regunberg for Congress Monday after he received the support of 75% of its Rhode Island members in an online vote, the Regunberg campaign announced.

"Aaron Regunberg is going to be a great progressive member of Congress,” said Alan Minsky, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America.

The PDA requires a supermajority of 60% to make an endorsement and in a field of 16 candidates for Rhode Island's 1st District, Regunberg got 75%, according to a campaign news release. The campaign did not say how many Rhode Island members of the PDA voted in the online poll.

6/26 More mayors endorse Amo

Add the mayors of Kansas City and Tampa to Gabe Amo's list of national municipal leader endorsements.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor endorsed Amo Monday two weeks after the mayor of Highland Park, Illinois endorsed the former Joe Biden staffer.

As special assistant to the president and deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Amo worked with local leaders, including on gun violence prevention, his leading issue so far in the campaign.

He said Monday was the one-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which he called "the most significant piece of gun safety legislation that our nation has seen in over 30 years."

6/23 Raskin endorses Regunberg

Maryland Congressman and David Cicilline friend Jamie Raskin endorsed Aaron Regunberg Friday.

The Regunberg campaign describes Raskin, a law professor, as a "progressive icon."

Raskin's late son Tommy was classmates with Regunberg at Hardard Law School.

“My close friend David Cicilline was an essential force for progressive change in the House who never cowered before MAGA Republicans or even the world's largest corporations, and his departure is a sharp loss to Democrats," Raskin said in a news release. "We need Rhode Island to send another fighter, organizer and leader to take David’s place, and that’s why I’m endorsing Aaron Regunberg as David’s replacement."

6/22 Thursday endorsement roundup

The endorsements are flying think and fast in the 1st Congressional District primary this week.

Ana Quezada announced the endorsement of Providence state Rep. Enrique Sanchez on Thursday. He's the third member of the House of Representatives to endorse the Providence state senator.

Fellow state Sen. Sandra Cano announced endorsements from four more of her colleagues: Sens. Meghan Kallman of Pawtucket, Melissa Murray of Woonsocket, Robert Britto of East Providence and Mark McKenney of Warwick. With the new endorsements Cano is now the preferred candidate of seven of the 38 members of the Senate.

Don Carlson announce the endorsement of Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes on Wednesday.

Aaron Regunberg announced the endorsement of the Association of Flight Attendants union, which represents 50,000 members nationwide, and Climate Hawks Vote, a national environmental group.

6/21 Emily's List endorses Matos

Emily's List, the large political action committee that helps elect Democratic women across the country, has thrown its support behind Sabina Matos in Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District.

"Matos has been a champion for women, youth, and working families, and she has been a strong supporter of reproductive freedom throughout her time in elected office," Emily's List President Laphonza Butler said in a news release.

Emily's List said it has raised $850 million to spend helping the campaigns of pro-choice women through strategies including independent expenditure advertising.

6/20 Vanessa Carlton endorses Regunberg

Aaron Regunberg has landed the first show-biz endorsement in the First Congressional District race.

Singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, the Rhode Island resident behind the song "A Thousand Miles," endorsed Regunberg Tuesday.

“Rhode Island is my adopted home,” Carlton said in a Regunberg campaign news release. “It’s where my husband and I are raising our daughter. That’s why I’m so excited about Aaron’s campaign. Aaron and I share a passion for restoring the environment and protecting frontline communities that are most impacted by pollution."

Carlton will be headlining an end-of-quarter Zoom fundraiser for Regunberg, his campaign said.

Carlton -- who lives in the 2nd Congressional District -- became involved in the fight against a development on the Pawtuxet River in Warwick earlier this year.

6/20 Elect Democratic Women endorses Matos

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos's campaign for Congress Tuesday picked up the endorsement of Elect Democratic Women, she said.

Elect Democratic Women was founded in 2018 and describes its purpose as "electing more pro-choice Democratic women to Congress and higher office."

“During her 10 years on the Providence City Council and now as the Lieutenant Governor, [Matos] has worked to break down barriers facing Rhode Islanders by advocating for affordable housing, strong gun safety laws, and expanded voting rights," Rep. Lois Frankel of Florida said in a news release. "It is clear that she is the right voice for Rhode Island to meet this moment and will make a great Congresswoman."

6/12 Matos pollster says Matos has 'dominant' lead

Sabina Matos released a polling memo from pollster Pete Brodnitz claiming the lieutenant governor is heading into the 1st District special election campaign with a 13 point lead.

According to the memo, 22% of registered voters surveyed said they would support Matos, with former state representative Aaron Regunberg pulling the second most support at 9%.

Nearly half of those surveyed – 43% – said they did no know who they would support.

The rest of the results were Sandra Cano 6%; John Goncalves 5%, Marvin Abney 4%, Nick Autiello 3%, Gabe Amo 3%, Stephen Casey 2%, Don Carlson 2%, Ana Quezada 2% and Walter Berbrick 0%.

As the only statewide officer in the crowded field, Matos is expected to have higher name recognition than her rivals at a point when little attention has been paid to the race and there has been no television advertising.

The Brodnitz' Expedition Strategies surveyed 400 registered voters and likely voters between June 5 and June 8, the memo said. The margin of error is 4.9%.

Erik Balsbaugh, general consultant for John Goncalves, offered this response to the Matos memo:

“All this poll shows is that this race is wide open. Half of the voters are still undecided. John is one of the top contenders in this race – even though our campaign hasn’t yet spent a cent on paid media like some of our opponents. He’s leading the field in reaching out to voters and we expect his numbers to climb through the summer.”

6/12 Grebien endorses Cano

Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien endorsed state Sen. Sandra Cano – who is also his economic development director – for Congress Monday.

“Sandra Cano has done the work of making our city a better place," Grebien said in a news release. "Over a decade ago, she wanted to give back to a public school system that had allowed her to succeed. As a School Committee member, Sandra led the charge to improve the quality of life in our city. She served so admirably on the School Committee and City Council, allowing our common vision to succeed."

Cano also announced the endorsement of seven Pawtucket City Council members and the entire Pawtucket School Committee.

6/12 Mayor of Illinois city that endured mass shooting endorses Amo

When he was White House deputy director of intergovernmental affairs, Gabe Amo reached out to Highland Park Illinois Mayor Nancy Rotering after a 4th of July parade shooting in her city killed seven.

On Monday Rotering endorsed Amo, saying he "was a constant source of communication fromWashington, D.C., and helped to kick start the process of healing in Highland Park."

"Some will wonder why the mayor of a town in Illinois is asking voters in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District to support Gabe’s campaign for Congress," Rotering said. "The answer is clear: Gun violence is a crisis that affects all of us. Gabe will champion the necessary types of federal solutions as your next U.S. Representative, and Ihope you join me in supporting Gabe Amo for Congress."

Amo, who resigned from his job in the Biden White House to run for Congress, used the endorsement to unveil his gun control agenda: a federal assault weapons ban, universal background checks, a federal "red flag" law to disarm high-risk individuals and spending $50 million per year to research gun violence prevention.

6/12 Communications workers endorse Regunberg

The Communications Workers of America Local 1400 endorsed Aaron Regunberg for Congress Monday.

It's the first endorsement from organized labor in the 1st Congressional District special election.

CWA Local 1400 represents telecommunications, tech, media, utilities and other workers across New England.

"Aaron Regunberg has always walked the walk when it comes to taking on corporate greed and supporting workers,” CWA Local 1400 President Don Trementozzi said in a news release. “When our members at Verizon were striking, we didn’t need to wonder whether Aaron would be with us – he was there at the picket line every day."

6/8 Quezada picks up two local endorsements

Ana Quezada's congressional campaign Thursday announced endorsements from Providence City Council member Justin Roais and Lincoln Town Council member Pamela Azar.

Roias' brother Jason Roias is Quezada's campaign spokesman.

"She’s not here just to enhance her media exposure or seize a convenient career opportunity," Roias said in a news release announcing the endorsements. "Ana is a straight shooter with an independent mind who is dedicated to changing the material conditions of people’s lives. She’s not an empty suit, but a principled advocate who is driven by a genuine passion for making a tangible difference."

Quezada, a Democratic state senator representing Providence, has previously been endorsed by state Reps. Jose Batista, Scott Slater and Central Falls City Councilors Franklin Solano and Rafael Peguero.

There are a lot of CD1 candidates: Where do they stand on the issues? Here's what we found

6/5 Biah leaves congressional race for state Senate bid

State Rep. Nathan Biah won't run for Congress, he said Monday, and will instead run for state Senate.

Biah, the principal at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School in Providence, said he wants to fill the seat that had been held by the late Sen. Maryellen Goodwin.

"Maryellen Goodwin was a mentor to me and a passionate advocate for our district," Biah, a Democrat, said in a news release. "We spent nearly three years working together as colleagues in the General Assembly and I am excited to build on her legacy of leadership as a member of the Senate."

Biah's departure from the 1st District congressional race leaves 14 candidates in the Democratic primary.

He is the fifth candidate to announce a run for the 1st Senate District special election joining Democrats Jake Bissaillon, Terrence Hassett and Michele Rivera; and Republican Niyoka Powell.

6/1 The date is set: McKee's writ makes election dates official

After David Cicilline submitted his resignation from Congress Wednesday night, Gov. Dan McKee Thursday issued an official writ declaring a special election to replace him. The dates, as expected, are:

• Primary election on Tuesday, September 5

• General election Tuesday, November 7

6/1 Lynch endorses Amo

Former Attorney General Patrick Lynch endorsed Gabe Amo for Congress Thursday.

Lynch, who had considered running himself earlier this year, called fellow Pawtucket native Amo an "effective and experienced leader."

"I’ve known Gabe for decades — from volunteering on my campaigns to working in the policy and legislation department of my office to witnessing him rise to the heights of government in the State House and the White House," Lynch said in a news release. "I’m proud that he’s committed his career to service and I ask my fellow First Congressional District voters to support him. Since I left office, I rarely get involved in politics too vocally, but the stakes are too high in this race."

Amo worked in the White House as an aide to President Joe Biden and before that in then-Gov. Gina Raimondo's office. This is his first run for elected office.

5/31 Climate Action Rhode Island endorses Regunberg

Climate Action Rhode Island endorsed former State Rep. Aaron Regunberg for Congress Wednesday.

"Our country is running out of time to tackle the climate crisis,” Denise Taliaferro, co-chair of Climate Action's Politics Team said in a news release. "Electing Aaron Regunberg to Congress will meaningfully improve our chances of taking action in time to preserve a safe future."

Climate Action Rhode Island is the local affiliate of 350.org.

Nick Autiello, who is running against Regunberg in the Democratic primary, attacked the endorsement.

He wrote in a new release that "it’s disappointing to learn that once again, another organization has endorsed a candidate with little real-world experience on an issue he claims to champion... While Aaron Regunberg was an intern at the Sierra Club, I was in the room with President Biden’s Climate Envoy, former Secretary of State John Kerry, strategizing together over how to find the trillions of dollars necessary to make the energy transition a reality."

Later on Wednesday, Regunberg fired back at Autiello.

"I'm proud of my many years advocating and organizing for climate action. I've led passage of significant renewable energy legislation in the Rhode Island State House, supported fights to block dangerous fossil fuel projects like the Burrillville power plant, helped launch a campaign to push law firms to cut their ties to the oil and gas industry, and published law review articles laying out new climate legal strategies," Regunberg wrote in an email. "I've been publicly advocating for a Green New Deal since 2017, before it was cool."

5/31 Grebien will not run for Congress

Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien said Tuesday he will not add his name to the crowded field of Democrats running to replace David Cicilline in Congress.

Grebien, who has been mayor since 2010, had said he was strongly considering running since Cicilline announced in February he will be stepping down. But the decision to jump in never came.

"While a vacant seat in Congress is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and while I am honored to be mentioned among those with a strong pathway to victory, I am wholeheartedly committed to continuing the progress we are making in Pawtucket and I will not be a candidate in the special election," Grebien said in a news release.

"The work of being mayor is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Every day, I am excited by the projects we are advancing: from a new train station to a unified high school to a revitalized riverfront entertainment district, there are so many great things happening in Pawtucket," he added.

5/25  LGBTQ+ Victory Fund endorses both Autiello and Carlson

Two 1st Congressional District candidates trumpeted endorsements from a leading national gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer-rights PAC Thursday.

The LGBTQ Victory Fund, which "works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels of government," endorsed Democrats Donald Carlson and Nicholas Autiello

Carlson is a law professor and investor from Jamestown.

Autiello is a former Gina Raimondo aide and climate professional who lives in Providence.

Both Autiello and Carlson identify as gay men looking to continue Rep. David Cicilline's equality work in Washington.

As to why the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund didn't choose between them, Press Secretary Albert Fujii said both met the criteria for endorsement. The criteria are:

• be openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer;

• be pro-choice and support an individual’s right to privacy;

• support the rights of transgender individuals;

• demonstrate community support and a realistic plan to win;

• demonstrate support of federal, state or local efforts to advance LGBTQ+ civil rights via the legislative or regulatory process; and

• demonstrate support of federal, state or local efforts to safeguard privacy and reproductive freedom.

5/25 Latino Victory Fund PAC endorses Matos

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos picked up the endorsement of the Latino Victory Fund in her bid for Congress Thursday.

“Sabina Matos is a visionary leader with a proven track record of advocating and delivering results for communities in Rhode Island," Luis A. Miranda, Jr., chairperson of Latino Victory Fund Board said in a news release. "She is one of the state's fiercest champions for affordable housing, where she was instrumental in the historic $250 million investment for housing in the state budget."

5/25 Cano picks up three House endorsements

State Reps. Rebecca Kislak, Karen Alzate and Joshua Giraldo endorsed Sen. Sandra Cano for Congress Thursday.

“I trust Sandra to be a fierce advocate for children and families in Congress," Kislak, D-Providence, said in a news release. "I've seen her get things done – as working moms do."

The House members give Cano six General Assembly endorsements after three Senate colleagues endorsed the Pawtucket Democrat last week.

5/19 Senate colleagues DiMario and Lauria endorse Cano

State Sen. Sandra Cano has the backing of three of her fellow senators as she runs for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District.

Sens. Pam Lauria, D-Barrington, and Alana DiMario, D-Narragansett, endorsed Cano Friday, joining Sen. Dawn Euer of Newport who has endorsed Cano last month.

“Representation matters. As a woman, a mom, a healthcare provider and the wife of a teacher, I support Sandra Cano to be our next Congressperson,” Lauria said in a campaign news release.

"From building a childcare system that is affordable for working families and pays living wages, to Early Childhood educators to expanding access to mental health care supports, I have seen first-hand how Sandra Cano follows through to find solutions and make needed changes," DiMario said.

5/17 Working Families Party endorses Regunberg and one rival is not happy about it

The Rhode Island Working Families Party endorsed former state Rep. Aaron Regunberg for Congress Wednesday, sparking a rare pushback against the endorsement from state senator and Democratic primary rival Sen. Sandra Cano.

"It is deeply disappointing to learn that the Rhode Island Working Families Party has chosen to not endorse the type of candidate they claim to champion: a woman of color, an immigrant, a working mother," Cano's campaign manager Sydney Keen said in a news release.

"They continuously claim credit for the electoral victories of many women of color and working class people, often while lifting up the lived experiences of those same candidates – so why then, with an historic slate of diverse candidates, would RI WFP choose to support a person who enjoys extreme life privilege over an actual working person?" the release added.

Working Families endorsed Cano, of Pawtucket, for re-election in the 2020 and 2022 General Assembly elections, but opted to back Regunberg to replace the outgoing David Cicilline in Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District race.

"He has an unshakeable commitment to progressive values. He’s dogged enough to take on the Republicans and corporate Democrats organizing to block progressive change, and skilled enough to get things done in tough conditions," Working Families Party New England Regional Director Georgia Hollister Isman said in an announcement of Regunberg's endorsement.

Back in 2017 when Regunberg was a state representative, Working Families worked with him on the successful campaign to mandate paid sick time from work.

"We have spent a lot of time and energy supporting working class women of color in Rhode Island, including [Pawtucket state Reps.] Leonela Felix and Cherie Cruz," Isman said in response to Cano's accusation that the endorsement betrayed Working Families' commitment to candidate diversity. "We've done that alongside Aaron."

"In this particular case we were thinking about what we need in Congress and what do we need to win this race," she added.

5/11 Newport mayor endorses Amo

Former White House and State House aide Gabe Amo picked up an endorsement from Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong Thursday.

“Mayors need partners in Congress who we can count on to show up and help when it matters most," Khamsyvoravong said in an Amo campaign news release. "Gabe Amo was often the first call from the White House that my colleagues across the country received when they were guiding their communities through their darkest moments and hardest challenges."

Amo was deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and special assistant to President Joe Biden before resigning last month to run for the 1st District seat.

5/10 Our Revolution endorses Regunberg

On a day congressional candidate Aaron Regunberg's left-wing bonafides were debated, the former state Rep. picked up the endorsement from Bernie Sanders affiliated Our Revolution.

"He has a track record of organizing coalitions to make a difference for everyday people," Our Revolution, which was spun out of Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign, tweeted. "In Rhode Island, he helped pass paid sick days, higher wages, clean energy programs, and will fight for the same nationally!"

5/10 Prov DSA says there is "no left-wing candidate" in crowded congressional field

Minutes before Aaron Regunberg announced four new endorsements from progressive lawmakers Wednesday, the Providence Democratic Socialists of America declared its opposition to the former Democratic state lawmaker.

There are 15 people, all Democrats, currently running for Rhode Island's First Congressional District seat, but Providence DSA said in a news release that there is "currently no left-wing candidate" among them.

And in particular, leftist Rhode Islanders should avoid Regunberg, the highest profile progressive in the field, because of his cooperation with Democratic House leadership on a number of issues while he was in the General Assembly, the DSA release said.

"Providence DSA does not comment on every race, but the contrast between Regunberg’s rhetoric and actions is so stark that we feel the need to speak up," the news release said. "Whatever his intentions, Regunberg has a clear history of undermining progressives and collaborating with the pro-corporate Democratic Party establishment."

The group objected to Regunberg's with former House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, including voting for the 2016 state budget. And also that Regunberg accepted campaign contributions from members of the police and correctional officers union.

Of the 50 DSA members who voted on the issue, 34 were in favor of opposing Regunberg.

The DSA did not explicitly say left-wing Rhode Islanders should sit out the Democratic primary, but the chapter tweeted "Reject ‘progressives’ at the polls and build an independent workers’ party!"

The Providence DSA hit on Regunberg follows a blast of criticism against him from former political candidates linked to the Rhode Island Political Cooperative.

"I’m not a member of the DSA, and I never have been. I appreciate their support for public utilities and universal healthcare, two issues I have advocated for throughout my career," Regunberg said in an email response. "But my priority has been to solve problems and deliver meaningful results for regular people... I've always been willing to work with people who didn’t always agree with me in order to get big things done."

But while some left-wing groups don't like Regunberg, he has broad support among left-leaning House members.

On Wednesday state Reps. Megan Cotter, Arthur Handy, Kathy Fogarty and Brandon Potter endorsed Regunberg.

“The work we do can be exhausting and draining,” Cotter, D-Exeter, said in a Regunberg campaign news release. “It is so, so helpful to have supportive people around you who want you to do well, and help you become the best version of yourself. Aaron is that kind of friend. In all the fights I care about – for working families, public schools, the environment, and protecting abortion access – he has been doing the hard work to get things done. "

4/25 Regunberg challenges rivals to renounce corporate PAC money

Former Providence state Rep. Aaron Regunberg Tuesday called on his Democratic primary opponents in the race for the 1st Congressional District not to accept donations for corporate Political Action Committees or lobbyists.

"This should be a no-brainer for every campaign," Regunberg said in a news release. "I expect all candidates in this race will join me in swearing off corporate PAC cash. But those who don’t should be prepared to tell the people of Rhode Island why they are inviting giant corporate interests into their campaigns."

Regunberg is one of 15 Democrats who have announced a campaign to replace Congressman David Cicilline, who is set to give up his seat in June.

Regunberg noted that Cicilline refused corporate PAC money in 2018.

4/24 Candidates staff up

It's never too early to line up experienced campaign hands and some First Congressional District candidates have already put teams in place.

Sabina Matos has named Brexton Isaacs, who last year helmed Gov. Dan McKee's re-election bid, as campaign manager.

She has hired Evan England, who worked on her lieutenant governor campaign last year and before that on the staff of then-treasurer Seth Magaziner, as general consultant and spokesperson.

Ryan Sonntag will be finance director for the Matos campaign while Amy Gabarra, who worked for Rep. David Cicilline, will be on the finance team.

John Goncalves last week landed Rhode Island native and veteran ad man Tad Devine of Devine Mulvey and Longabaugh to do television, radio, and campaign strategy. Devine has worked on presidential campaigns including Bernie Sanders’ 2016, Al Gore’s 2000 and John Kerry’s. Last year he worked on Helena Foulkes' campaign for governor.

Erik Balsbaugh of New Ground Strategies will serve as general consultant and Lucas Benjamin will be interim campaign manager, the Goncalves campaign announced.

Nick Autiello announced Monday that he has hired pollster Celinda Lake and Lake Research Partners as strategists and campaign pollsters. Lake, who worked for Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign, led polling for Nellie Gorbea's gubernatorial campaign last year.

Autiello has also hired Maxwell Nunes and David Ross, who formerly worked for Pete Buttigieg, as strategists and media consultants. Nunes wa digital director and Ross creative director of Pete for America.

DJ Koessler, Pete Buttigieg's social media and digital surrogates director, will be social media consultant for Autiello while Thomas Fitzgerald will befinance director

4/18 Matos with slim, very early, fundraising edge

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos entered this year's Rhode Island Congressional campaign early and enjoyed a slim financial advantage at the start of this month as candidates continued to pile into the race, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

With just five of the 14 announced candidates reporting campaign donations by the end of last month, Matos' $126,782 in the bank was the largest balance, edging out state Sen. Sandra Cano.

But the financial landscape of the campaign is expected to change rapidly over the coming months as some of the more recent entrants raise money, political action committees and major donors get involved.

Organized labor, which is expected to play an influential role in the race, had not yet begun spending in March.

Former White House special assistant Gabe Amo just entered the race this week and wasn't raising money in the first quarter, but on Thursday tweeted that he had raised "over $105,000 in our first day, with no personal loans."

Here's how things stood on March 31.

Sabina Matos: $126,782 account balance

Loaned her campaign $20,000

Received $3,300 from the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association PAC.

Sandra Cano: $122,640 account balance

Loaned her campaign $80,000 and received a $3,300 contribution — the individual maximum donation — from fiancé and state general treasurer James Diossa.

Former Commerce Corporation staffer Nicholas Autiello: $104,330 account balance

Loaned his campaign $11,910.

Received a $3,300 maximum donation from soft rock crooner Barry Manilow.

Providence City Council member John Goncalves: $39,549 account balance

Received a $3,300 maximum donation from East Greenwich resident and "million dollar consulting guru" Alan Weiss, who founded the Society for the Advancement of Consulting

State Rep. Nathan Biah: $310

4/20: Former U.S. Naval War College professor Walter Berbrick announces RI congressional run

Walter Berbrick, a former Navy intelligence officer – and professor in the War Gaming Department at the U.S. Naval War College until his recent resignation to try politics – has jumped into the crowded Democratic race to succeed U.S. Rep. David Cicilline in Congress.

A newcomer to the Rhode Island political scene, Berbrick, 38, of Middletown, became the 15th Democrat to enter the race when he announced his candidacy Friday.

Read the full story here

4/18: Former White House aide Gabe Amo announces CD1 run

Gabe Amo, a native son of Pawtucket, on Tuesday joined the ever-growing crowd of Democratic candidates for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District seat days after resigning his job as a special assistant in the Biden administration.

Asked why he is seeking an upfront role on the political stage after working behind the scenes in the campaigns and administrations of two U.S. presidents (Joe Biden and Barack Obama) as well as former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, Amo, 35, told The Journal:

"Because the stakes are so high."

Read the full story here

4/16: Jamestown Democrat, investor Don Carlson throws hat in ring for Congress

Don Carlson, who has been a professor in addition to a lawyer, investor and top aide to a politician, announced his candidacy for Congress the old-fashioned way: in-person with free beer and tacos at a brewery he co-owns.

Before his speech, he told a reporter about other items on his resumé that might interest First District voters:

He is senior executive director at the Tsai Leadership Program at Yale Law School, and he served as legislative director for former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy II, of Massachusetts.

Read the full story here

4/13: Rep. Stephen Casey confirms a run for Congress

By one measure, Woonsocket firefighter and state Rep. Stephen Casey officially entered the race for Rhode Island's soon-to-open congressional seat this past Monday when he filed his "statement of candidacy" with the Federal Election Commission.

But the moment came and went so quietly that Casey - who is leading a legislative campaign to provide injured-on-duty benefits, including tax free disability pensions, to police officers and firefighters with post-traumatic stress - said he wants it clearly known:

"I am in the running. I don't want anybody to get the idea that I'm only half-[way] in this.

Read the full story here

4/12 Progressive Democrat, former state Rep. Regunberg will run for Congress

Aaron Regunberg, the progressive Democrat who came within 2 percentage points of beating then-Lt. Gov. Dan McKee in 2018, is a May 2022 Harvard Law School graduate who left his post-graduation job as a legal clerk in the U.S. District Court in Providence to run.

As a legislator from 2015-18, Regunberg, now 33, was the lead sponsor of legislation that guaranteed paid sick leave for Rhode Island employees, sponsored a $1 increase in the minimum wage for tipped workers, advocated for renewable energy.

Read the full story

4/11 Marvin Abney enters CD1 race

Rep. Marvin Abney, the retired Army major who chairs the powerful House Finance Committee, has announced his decision to run for Rhode Island's soon-to-open 1st Congressional District seat after the General Assembly wraps up in June.

"My immediate responsibility is working with my colleagues in the House and Senate as we prepare our annual budget," Abney, D-Newport, said in a statement Tuesday night that reflected the concerns he has shared with colleagues about the timing of his entry into the crowded race.

Read the full story here

4/6 Ana Quezada makes low key debut as Congressional candidate

Without any fanfare, Sen. Ana Quezada, D-Providence, filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commisson.

In an email five days later, she issued an after-the-fact statement on why she is running: "With so much division, particularly at the national level, we need someone who seeks to bring people together while representing the diverse views of their constituency. This is what I have done my entire life."

3/29 Stephanie Beauté joins ever-growing list of candidates for congressional seat

Stephanie Beauté, the political newcomer who lost her Democratic primary bid for secretary of state on a a 64.3%-to-35.7% vote last year, jumped into the Congessional race with a video.

"Like most Rhode Islanders, I am ... tired of how housing has become an existential crisis of our time; of how the American Dream is drifting further and further away; how our seniors can’t afford the immorally high costs of prescription drugs; and how we can no longer turn on the news without seeing yet another senseless mass shooting on most any given day. "

Read the full story 

3/27 Providence Councilman John Goncalves is sixth candidate in CD1

Goncalves, a fourth-grade teacher and diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator at the Wheeler School in Providence, announced his 1st Congressional District campaign in a video.

"I grew up as a son of immigrants on the East Side of Providence in CD1, hoping that I could find a way to make a meaningful impact on our community," Goncalves said in the video, which included images of the candidate shaking hands with Gov. Dan McKee and President Joe Biden. "I see the world through the eyes of the most vulnerable people in Rhode Island because I've lived it."

Read full story here

3/21 Race for congressional seat grows as Autiello, Biah toss in their hats

Former state Commerce Corporation staffer Nick Autiello and state Rep. Nathan Biah, the principal at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School in Providence, jumped in the same day.

“I got into public service almost a decade ago to help rebuild Rhode Island after decades of decline that hurt families like mine, and as part of Governor Raimondo’s Commerce team I did just that," said Autiello.

Biah came to the United States after fleeing violence in Liberia. He was elected to the General Assembly in 2020.

Read the full story here

3/20 Pawtucket Sen. Sandra Cano adds her name to race for Congress

“Our community needs someone who knows what it is like to face the challenges that so many of our neighbors face on a daily basis; someone with the life experience and Democratic values tofight for working families across our state,” Cano said the day she announced.

"Cano is [also] the first announced candidate who actually resides in congressional district 1," her news release said in an apparent dig at Matos.

Cano chairs the Senate Education Committee. Born in Colombia, she served on the Pawtucket City Council before running for General Assembly.

Read full story here

3/13 Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos launches no-risk, mid-term campaign for Congress

The Providence Democrat was the first major candidate to commit to a congressional run

Matos was elected to her first full term as lieutenant governor in November after finishing the remaining 21 months of Gov. Dan McKee's term when he replaced Gina Raimondo as governor. "I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and continue fighting for the things that matter to Rhode Islanders: addressing affordable housing, protecting reproductive freedom, working to solve our climate crisis, and standing up to threats to our democracy," she said.

Read the full story here

MORE TO COME

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Special Election 2023: 1st Congressional District news and more