Ward 1 Providence City Councilor John Goncalves on Monday joined the increasingly crowded Democratic field for the 1st Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. David Cicilline.
Goncalves is serving his second term representing Fox Point, Wayland Square, College Hill and the Jewelry District, after first winning election in 2018. He is the deputy majority leader of the City Council.
In announcing his run, Goncalves highlighted his background as a child of immigrants who was raised by a single parent and went on to obtain two degrees from Brown University. He works as a teacher at the Wheeler School.
“Many people are struggling” Goncalves said in a statement, “and in Congress, we’ll be fighting to cut costs for Rhode Islanders, and also be fighting for economic justice, housing, good jobs, education, climate justice, gun violence prevention, reproductive rights, and ultimately a more prosperous Rhode Island for our state’s working families.
Goncalves, who has been seen as a prospective future mayoral candidate, is at least the seventh Democrat to join the CD1 race.
Rhode Island voters have a chance to make history in the special election to fill the seat since the state’s congressional delegation has never included a Democratic woman or a person of color.
“As a millennial, a male of color, an elementary school teacher, a Providence City Councilman, a two-time Brown University graduate, and a lifelong East Side of Providence resident and Rhode Islander, I bring many diverse perspectives and experiences that could serve as a critical voice for Rhode Islanders nationally,” Goncalves said. “We need responsive and effective leadership with a bold plan and vision for the First Congressional District.”
The other announced Democratic candidates include former Gina Raimondo staffer Nick Autiello, state Rep. Nathan Biah of Providence, state Sen. Sandra Cano of Pawtucket, state Rep. Stephen Casey of Woonsocket, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, and former Republican Allen Waters.
In related news, former state Rep. Aaron Regunberg, who narrowly lost the 2018 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor to Dan McKee — now the state’s governor — said he is exploring entering the CD1 race.
Other prospective candidates include Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien and White House staffer Gabe Amo, a Pawtucket native.
The primary election in CD1, likely to be decisive in determining the ultimate winner, is expected to take place in August or September.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org. Follow him on Twitter @IanDon. Sign up here for his weekly RI politics and media newsletter.
