Rhode Island could elect its first Black representative to Congress

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Rhode Island stands at the precipice of a historic moment as voters in the state’s 1st Congressional District prepare to cast their ballots, potentially electing the first Black representative to Congress or returning the seat to a GOP candidate after decades.

In this electoral showdown, the Democratic candidate, Gabe Amo, and the Republican contender, Gerry Leonard, vie for the congressional seat left vacant when former Democratic Representative David Cicilline assumed the role of president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation earlier this summer.

Gabe Amo, a 35-year-old with roots in Pawtucket as the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, emerged victorious from a competitive Democratic primary in September, securing over 32% of the vote. Amo’s journey includes service in the Obama and Biden administrations, with his most recent role being the deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. He also served under former Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo’s administration.

Amo’s educational background is marked by studies at Wheaton College and public policy studies at Oxford University. He draws inspiration from his parents, his mother’s dedication to nursing, and his father’s entrepreneurial spirit in opening a liquor store.

The Democratic candidate has outlined a progressive agenda, vowing to combat what he views as “extremist” Republican efforts to reduce funding for Social Security and Medicare. Additionally, he seeks to champion nationwide abortion rights, address climate change through federal legislation, advocate for a ban on assault-style firearms, and support research into gun violence prevention at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while pushing for universal background checks.

A victory for Gabe Amo would signify a shift away from Rhode Island’s Italian-American political legacy, symbolized by the late Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, Providence’s charismatic mayor who faced legal troubles.

On the other side of the political spectrum, Gerry Leonard, a Marine veteran and political newcomer, represents the Republican party’s bid to reclaim the heavily Democratic district. The last Republican to hold this seat was Ron Machtley, serving from 1989 to 1995.

Leonard advocates for limited government and critiques what he calls “Bidenomics,” asserting that President Joe Biden’s economic plan has not benefited ordinary citizens. He also expresses support for U.S. efforts to assist Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for clear objectives and an exit strategy.

In the realm of reproductive rights, Leonard aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to delegate abortion regulation to the states, echoing the sentiments of those who view Roe v. Wade as having lost its constitutional standing.

Gerry Leonard traces his Rhode Island heritage back thirteen generations, with ancestors who fled England to escape religious persecution. He attended public schools and graduated from North Kingstown High in 1983. His life journey led him to the Marine Corps, where he served in various capacities, including combat tours in Kuwait, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as an infantry and reconnaissance officer. Today, he resides in Jamestown and holds a degree from the Naval War College.

As the voters of Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District prepare to make their decision, the outcome will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the political landscape of the state and the potential for history to be made with the election of its first Black representative to Congress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rhode Island Congressional Race

More about Rhode Island Congressional Race

• Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District
• Gabe Amo’s campaign website
• Gerry Leonard’s campaign website
• Rhode Island’s political history
• U.S. Supreme Court’s abortion ruling
• Ron Machtley’s congressional tenure
• Rhode Island’s political landscape