Democrat Amo could possibly be first individual of shade to signify Rhode Island in Congress after major win

Former White House aide Gabe Amo might develop into the primary individual of shade to signify Rhode Island in Congress after his win Tuesday within the crowded Democratic major for the state’s 1st Congressional District particular election despatched him on to the final election within the closely Democratic state.

Amo, who grew up in Pawtucket the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, hopes to succeed former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who stepped down earlier this summer time to develop into the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

“This primary election shows that Rhode Islanders believe in a state where one of their sons, the son of two West African immigrants from Ghana and Liberia, could receive the love and investment of a community and go from serving the president of the United States … to being the Democratic nominee for Congress for the 1st Congressional District,” Amo informed cheering supporters.

If elected, Amo mentioned he would tackle “some of the critical needs of this country,” whether or not or not it’s stopping gun violence, addressing the local weather disaster, strengthening Social Security or defending reproductive freedom.

“At the end of the day, protecting people so that everyone has opportunity,” he added.

Amo will sq. off towards Gerry Leonard, a U.S. Marine veteran and political newcomer who defeated fellow Republican candidate Terri Flynn, a former city council member, to win the GOP major Tuesday.

“We’re excited here,” Leonard informed The Associated Press after successful.

“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, D.C. that put principles before politics and service before self. That message will resonate.”

Leonard faces a major problem within the basic election in a state that has historically favored Democratic candidates.

Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, who had hoped to develop into the primary Latina elected to Congress from the state, congratulated Amo on his major win.

“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 an announcement.

During the marketing campaign, Amo mentioned he would combat to ban assault-style weapons, assist 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 towards 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 legislation, and combat for extra laws on the federal stage to fight local weather change.

Amo received the endorsement of former Democratic U.S. 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 attainable candidates, significantly amongst Democrats.

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

The Democratic discipline 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 basic election as a Republican final 12 months.

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

Leonard has mentioned he believes that Americans know easy 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 strange residents. He additionally mentioned he favors a extra restricted authorities and helps U.S. efforts to assist Ukraine in its battle towards Russia, however mentioned the U.S. additionally wants clear objectives and an exit technique.

Leonard additionally mentioned he believes abortion ought to stay a state subject. He additionally mentioned he’s a powerful proponent of time period limits.

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

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