With the Democratic field in the 1st Congressional District still taking shape, Rhode Island investor and businessman Don Carlson is assembling what he touts as a “world-class” campaign team and envisioning a fundraising goal approaching $1 million. A campaign launch is tentatively set for April 16.
Carlson, a first-time-candidate-in-waiting, said his plans include hiring RSH Campaigns, which worked on mayoral campaigns for Brett Smiley and Jorge Elorza, as well as pollster Mark Mellman – who worked for former U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin – and direct mail firm Mission Control.
While Carlson said he’s still gathering information ahead of a final decision, the Jamestown resident said he’s leaning toward staging a campaign launch on the afternoon of April 16 at Rejects Beer Company, a waterfront brewery in Middletown that he co-owns with a group of about eight people.
“I really feel like it’s time to give back,” said Carlson, a 62-year-old renewable energy investor and senior executive director for the Tsai Leadership Program at Yale Law School. He said he believes he has the leadership and negotiation skills necessary for the job.
Carlson has never run for office before, although his credentials include Harvard Law School, serving as legislative director for former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy II of Massachusetts, and managing a 2008 campaign for U.S. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut.
With some observers putting the cost of a campaign at $1 million, Carlson said he believes he could raise close to that amount.
With a large field and five months until the Sept. 5 primary – which could determine the winner in the CD1 race – fundraising will play a vital role in the race.
As it stands, eight Democrats have said they are seeking the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. David Cicilline: former Gina Raimondo staffer Nick Autiello, newcomer Mickeda Barnes, former secretary of state candidate Stephanie Beaute, state Rep. Nathan Biah of Providence, state Sen. Sandra Cano of Pawtucket, state Rep. Stephen Casey of Woonsocket, Ward 1 Providence City Councilor John Goncalves, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and former Republican Allen Waters.
After the most recent fundraising period, Autiello this week said he had more than $105,000 in his campaign account, while Matos said her balance tops $125,000.
Another prospective candidate, former state Rep. Aaron Regunberg, said he plans to decide over the next week whether to pursue a run in CD1.
Regunberg, who narrowly lost the 2018 primary for lieutenant governor to Dan McKee – now Rhode Island’s governor – said he believes he would need to raise $500,000 to run an effective campaign “and more is always going to be better.”
Another possible candidate, Pawtucket native Gabe Amo, who works in the Biden White House, has remained publicly silent about his plans.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien is also considered a potential candidate.
Former GOP candidate for lieutenant governor Aaron Guckian said on Twitter he will not be running in CD1.
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.
