A primary showdown between state Rep. James McLaughlin (D-Cumberland) and challenger Brandon Voas, the cousin of Senate Finance Chairman Ryan Pearson (D-Cumberland), reflects the jagged contrast of views among legislative Democrats in Rhode Island.
The challenge by Voas — who is a half-century younger than McLaughlin — could also be a classic small-town dispute, involving payback for the outcome of a 2020 Cumberland Town Council race in which McLaughlin’s candidate, Tim Magill, defeated Pearson’s friend, Tom Kane.
In separate interviews, Voas and Pearson rejected the idea that Voas is running because of Magill’s win in 2020, and each said Pearson played no role in Voas’ decision to make his first run for public office, against a 12-year incumbent.
However, the Cumberland Democratic Town Committee overwhelmingly endorsed Voas over McLaughlin, on a 22-6 vote. Kane is chairman of the committee; Pearson is a former 1st vice chairman of the committee. He said Lisa Beaulieu is the current 1st vice chairwoman.
McLaughlin, 78, said Pearson and Kane were peeved when Magill beat Kane for a Cumberland Town Council seat in 2020.
“They weren’t happy about it,” he said.
Kane subsequently landed a job as senior advisor to Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey. Pearson is among the contenders to succeed McCaffrey, who recently announced he will not seek re-election after almost 30 years in the Senate.
Voas, 28, has a thin profile on social media. He said he’s running because District 57, which includes Cumberland and part of Central Falls, “needs a new voice.” He said that McLaughlin, who is pro-gun, and opposes abortion rights, “doesn’t exactly align with the Democratic Party.”
Voas is a territory manager for O’Reilly Auto Parts. He’s related to Pearson through his mother, who was the sister of Pearson’s late father.
The clash between Voas and McLaughlin comes as progressive candidates are trying to increase their presence in the 113-seat General Assembly, after making incremental progress in past election cycles.
McLaughlin, a retired auto body worker and an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, isn’t giving up without a fight.
The six-term Cumberland Democrat described competition as an integral part of democracy. He is unapologetic about his profile as a conservative Democrat who opposes abortion and strongly supports gun rights. He said he listens to both sides in the House and votes his conscience.
“I’m an old guy, but I still got a lot of good races left in me,” McLaughlin said.
Cumberland is no stranger to tough political fights.
Gov. Dan McKee was once ousted as mayor of Cumberland by former state Rep. David Iwuc before returning the favor by regaining the mayor’s office.
McLaughlin, who won his seat when he beat incumbent Rep. Kenneth Vaudreuil in 2010 and has not faced a primary opponent since 2014, is one of the more colorful characters in the House of Representatives.
During the House floor debate on marijuana legalization earlier this year, he recalled being disparaged years ago as a “juice freak” — slang for someone who consumed alcohol while shunning marijuana.
When the House debated a state-based right to abortion in 2019, McLaughlin repeatedly displayed a sketch of Jesus Christ while in the chamber. He’s also known for enlisting fellow lawmakers in parachute jumps to raise money for charity.
Voters will make their choice between Voas and McLaughlin during the primary on September 13.
This story has been updated.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org. Follow him on Twitter @IanDon
