Former White House aide Gabe Amo has emerged victorious in the crowded Democratic primary for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District special election. If elected, he could become the first person of color to represent the state in Congress. Amo, the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, grew up in Pawtucket. He aims to succeed former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who recently stepped down to lead the Rhode Island Foundation.
Amo expressed gratitude for the support he received from Rhode Islanders, stating, “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.”
If elected, Amo has vowed to address critical issues such as preventing gun violence, combating climate change, strengthening Social Security, and protecting reproductive freedom. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for all and prioritizing the well-being of the people.
Amo’s Republican opponent in the general election will be Gerry Leonard, a U.S. Marine veteran and political newcomer. Leonard emerged victorious in the GOP primary, defeating fellow Republican candidate Terri Flynn, a former town council member.
Despite facing a significant challenge in a traditionally Democratic state, Leonard remains optimistic about his chances. He intends to connect with the residents of District 1, share his message, and demonstrate his commitment to principled leadership and public service.
Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, who aspired to become the first Latina elected to Congress from the state, congratulated Amo on his primary win. She acknowledged the significance of having more diverse representation in Congress and celebrated this historic milestone for Rhode Island.
Throughout his campaign, Amo has pledged to ban assault-style weapons, support funding for gun violence prevention research, implement universal background checks, protect Social Security and Medicare, codify Roe v. Wade into federal law, and advocate for stronger federal legislation to address climate change. His campaign garnered the endorsement of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who previously represented the district.
The open seat in Congress attracted numerous potential candidates, particularly among Democrats. The primary ballot included other Democratic contenders such as Stephanie Beaute, Walter Berbrick, Sandra Cano, Stephen Casey, Spencer Dickinson, John Goncalves, Ana Quezada, Aaron Regunberg, and Allen Waters, who challenged Cicilline in the general election as a Republican last year.
