In a rare occurrence of a congressional opening and highly influential Democratic primaries, Rhode Island is hosting a special primary election on Tuesday, featuring a progressive candidate against three competitors who would break new demographic ground in Congress. The primary is for the seat formerly held by former Rep. David Cicilline, a strong proponent of antitrust reform. Cicilline had represented Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District since 2011 before resigning in June to lead a statewide nonprofit organization.
With 11 Democrats vying for the safe Democratic seat, which includes cities like Newport, Bristol, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Providence, some of the main contenders include Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, former state Rep. Aaron Regunberg, state Sen. Sandra Cano, and former Biden and Obama administration official Gabe Amo.
Internal polls have shown a close race between Regunberg, the progressive favorite, and Matos, who has significant outside support. However, a recent poll released by Amo suggests that he is closely trailing Regunberg, with Matos and Cano further behind. Observers now believe it is a four-way toss-up with Regunberg having a slight advantage.
This primary election will test the left’s ability to elect progressive candidates to Congress. Regunberg, supported by progressive state lawmakers, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and groups like the Working Families Party, has become the front-runner. He has received a significant endorsement from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who held a rally for him in Providence.
While Cano, Amo, and Matos are progressive by national standards, they are closer to the ideological center of the House Democratic Caucus due to their positions and relationships with traditional institutions. However, if any of the three were to win, it would mark an identity milestone, with Cano being the first non-white person elected to Congress in Rhode Island, and Matos becoming the first Afro-Latina representative.
Regunberg, a strong advocate for progressive policies, has played a crucial role in passing progressive legislation during his state legislative tenure. He hopes to join committees that align with his interests, such as the Judiciary Committee or the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Candidates like Regunberg and Cano are running on progressive platforms, focusing on worker wages, education, gun control, and immigrant rights. However, Cano emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and building relationships to get things done for Rhode Island.
Despite Cano’s endorsements from state lawmakers, she has struggled to raise enough funds compared to her rivals. Super PACs associated with organizations like the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Elect Democratic Women, and EMILY’s List are instead supporting Matos.
Overall, this special primary election showcases the power of progressives in Rhode Island, the potential for diverse representation, and the ongoing evolution of the Democratic Party in the Biden era.
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