As expected, many candidates remain for a Sept. 5 primary in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, even after the requirement of obtaining hundreds of signatures narrowed the field.
According to Secretary of State Gregg Amore’s office, 13 Democrats, two Republicans and no independents cleared the threshold to submit at least 500 certified signatures.
The Democrats are: former White House official Gabe Amo, Nick Autiello, former secretary of state candidate Stephanie Beaute, Walter Berbrick, Sen. Sandra Cano, Jamestown businessman Donald Carlson, Rep. Stephen Casey, former Rep. Spencer Dickinson, Providence City Councilor John Goncalves, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Sen. Ana Quezada, and former Rep. Aaron Regunberg, and former Republican Allen Waters.
Autiello announced Wednesday he’s dropping out of the race due to a lack of campaign funds, so 12 Democrats remain.
One conspicuous omission: House Finance Chairman Marvin Abney of Newport, who seemed less than robust in his approach to a campaign, didn’t gather enough signatures.
Twenty-two Democrats, nine independents and four Republicans declared campaigns in the CD1 race. Only two Republicans qualified for the ballot, endorsed GOP candidate Gerry W. Leonard Jr. and Terri Flynn. Both have already been certified.
The 1st District seat is open since David Cicilline stepped down earlier this year to become president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.
The signature-gathering effort has not been without controversy. Brexton Isaacs, campaign manager for Matos, called it “surprising and concerning” that some signatures gathered by volunteers for her campaign are under review by Jamestown police and state elections officials.
Rival candidates pounced. Carlson cited what he called a “betrayal of the electoral process.” Amo said, “The news that the police are investigating Lt. Governor Sabina Matos’ campaign for submitting fraudulent signatures, some of which belong to dead Rhode Islanders, is a disturbing development in her campaign.”
In related news, Carlson has the most campaign cash on hand ($769,986), according to recently filed campaign finance reports for the second quarter of 2023. He’s followed by Regunberg ($396,987), Amo ($311,494), Cano ($250,272), Matos ($215,000), Berbick ($103,845) and Autiello ($97,165).
Outside groups such as the RI Laborers District Council (which endorsed Matos) are expected to spend significantly in the CD1 race. According to NJ Hotline, Democrats Serve plans a six-figure spend in support of Amo.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org
