Former White House aide Gabe Amo wins Rhode Island Democratic major

Former White House aide Gabe Amo got here out on high in a crowded Democratic major for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District particular election Tuesday, beating out a slew of fellow candidates to maneuver on to the overall election within the closely Democratic state.

Amo hopes to succeed former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who stepped down earlier this summer season to turn into the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Amo, who grew up in Pawtucket the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, can be the primary Black candidate to be elected to the US House from Rhode Island. No individual of shade has represented the state in Congress.

Gerry Leonard, a US Marine veteran and political newcomer, defeated fellow Republican candidate Terri Flynn, a former city council member, to win the GOP major Tuesday.

“We’re excited here,” Leonard advised The Associated Press after profitable.

“I’m looking forward with great anticipation of getting out and continuing to move around District 1 and meet Rhode Islanders. Tell them my message. Tell them my story and tell them what I intend to do for the state,” he mentioned. “We need to start sending leaders to Washington, DC that put principles before politics and service before self. That message will resonate.”

Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, who had hoped to turn into the primary Latina elected to Congress from the state, congratulated Amo.

“While I was hoping for a different outcome, tonight’s results show that Rhode Islanders are ready for more diverse representation in Congress for the first time. We can all celebrate and take pride in this historic milestone for our state,” she mentioned in a press release.

If elected, Amo mentioned he would combat to ban assault-style weapons, help funding for analysis into gun violence prevention on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and implement common background checks.

Amo additionally mentioned he would combat in opposition to what he described as extremist Republican makes an attempt to slash funding for Social Security and Medicare, work to codify Roe v. Wade into federal regulation, and combat for extra laws on the federal degree to fight local weather change.

Amo additionally received the endorsement of former Democratic US Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who represented the district from 1995 to 2011.

The prospect of an open seat in Congress initially drew the eye of dozens of doable candidates, significantly amongst Democrats.

Other Democrats on the poll included. former secretary of state candidate Stephanie Beaute, former US Navy intelligence officer Walter Berbrick, Pawtucket state Sen. Sandra Cano, state Rep. Stephen Casey, and Spencer Dickinson.

The Democratic subject of candidates additionally included Providence City Council member John Goncalves, state Democratic state senator Ana Quezada, former two-term state Rep. Aaron Regunberg, and Allen Waters, who challenged Ciciline within the common election as a Republican final 12 months.

Regunberg had tried to place himself as probably the most progressive of the front-runners, profitable the backing of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Democratic US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and actress Jane Fonda.

Leonard has mentioned he believes that Americans know methods to reside their lives higher than authorities bureaucrats {and professional} politicians do.

The Republican has criticized “Bidenomics,” saying Democratic President Joe Biden’s financial plan hasn’t helped abnormal residents. He additionally mentioned he favors a extra restricted authorities and helps U.S. efforts to assist Ukraine in its conflict in opposition to Russia, however mentioned the US additionally wants clear objectives and an exit technique.

Leonard additionally mentioned he believes abortion ought to stay a state situation.

Leonard is a resident of Jamestown and a graduate of the Naval War College. He served for 3 many years within the Marines.

He faces a big problem within the common election in a state that has historically favored Democratic candidates. He mentioned he’s a robust proponent of time period limits.

If elected, Leonard would turn into the primary Republican to characterize the first Congressional District since former Congressman Ron Machtley, who served from 1989-1995.

Amo will sq. off in opposition to Leonard within the November 7 common election.

Edited By:

Manisha Pandey

Published On:

Sep 6, 2023