Gabe Amo, a former White House aide, emerged as the winner in a competitive Democratic primary for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District special election on Tuesday. Amo surpassed numerous fellow candidates to advance to the November general election in the heavily Democratic state.
If elected, Amo, who grew up in Pawtucket as the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, would make history as the first Black candidate elected to the U.S. House from Rhode Island. Currently, no person of color has represented the state in Congress.
Amo aims to succeed former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who recently stepped down to become the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.
In the Republican primary, Gerry Leonard, a political newcomer and U.S. Marine veteran, triumphed over Terri Flynn, a former town council member.
Expressing his excitement after the win, Leonard stated, “I’m looking forward with great anticipation to engaging with the people of District 1 and connecting with Rhode Islanders. I want to share my message and story, as well as my intentions for the state. Our goal should be to send leaders to Washington, D.C. who prioritize principles over politics and service over self. This message will have a strong impact.”
Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, who aspired to be the first Latina elected to Congress from Rhode Island, congratulated Amo. She said in a statement, “While I had hoped for a different outcome, tonight’s results demonstrate Rhode Islanders’ readiness for more diverse representation in Congress. We can all celebrate and take pride in this historic milestone for our state.”
If elected, Amo has outlined his plans to advocate for a ban on assault-style weapons, allocate funding for gun violence prevention research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and implement universal background checks. He also aims to combat climate change, protect Social Security and Medicare, and codify Roe v. Wade into federal law.
In addition, Amo received the endorsement of former Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who represented the district from 1995 to 2011.
The open seat in Congress attracted numerous potential candidates, particularly among Democrats. Noteworthy Democratic candidates included Stephanie Beaute, a former secretary of state candidate, Walter Berbrick, a former U.S. Navy intelligence officer, Sandra Cano, a state senator from Pawtucket, Stephen Casey, a state representative, and Spencer Dickinson.
The Democratic field also comprised John Goncalves, a Providence City Council member, Ana Quezada, a Democratic state senator, Aaron Regunberg, a former two-term state representative, and Allen Waters, who challenged Ciciline in the previous general election as a Republican.
Leonard has positioned himself as a believer in the ability of Americans to direct their own lives better than government officials and career politicians. He has criticized “Bidenomics,” expressing his view that President Biden’s economic plan has not benefited ordinary citizens. Leonard supports limited government and U.S. assistance to Ukraine in their conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for clear goals and an exit strategy.
Regarding the issue of abortion, Leonard believes it should remain a state matter. He resides in Jamestown and is a graduate of the Naval War College, with three decades of service in the Marines.
Leonard faces a significant challenge in the general election, as Rhode Island has historically favored Democratic candidates. He strongly advocates for term limits. If elected, Leonard would be the first Republican to represent the 1st Congressional District since former Congressman Ron Machtley, who served from 1989 to 1995.
The November 7 general election will see Amo and Leonard go head-to-head.
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