Rhode Island state Rep. Thomas Winfield (D-Smithfield), one of five remaining House members from an unusually large incoming class in 1992, is not seeking re-election.
Winfield tells RIPR that a number of factors influenced his decision, including an opportunity to pursue a private business venture, turning 55 this year, and wanting to spend more time with family. Being a lawmaker requires a certain time commitment, he said, and, “I want to do the job right.”
The Smithfield Democrat said he’s backing former Town Council President Bernard Hawkins as his successor.
Winfield’s decision points to how an unusually large number of lawmakers are expected to leave the House at the end of the current legislative session, expected to be Friday. Some lawmakers traditionally reveal their plans toward the end of the final session.
A few of those departing are seeking other offices, such as Rep. Aaron Regunberg (D-Providence), who is running for lieutenant governor, Bobby Nardolillo (R-Coventry), who is pursuing a US Senate seat, and Patricia Morgan (R-West Warwick), who is running for governor. Rep. Robert Lancia (R-Cranston) is considering a run for LG, and Rep. John Lombardi (D-Providence) is mulling a run for mayor of Providence.
Like Nardolillo, Winfield is a funeral home director. Winfield said he plans to remain active in Smithfield.
Other departing House members include Reps. Helder Cunha (D-East Providence), Jeremiah O’Grady (D-Lincoln), Joy Hearn (D-Barrington), and Jared Nunes (D-Coventry).
Besides Winfield, the other four remaining members from that post-credit union crisis class are Reps. Edith Ajello and Anastasia Williams, Providence Democrats, and Charlene Lima and Robert Jacquard, both Cranston Democrats. The only representative with longer tenure is Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Hopkinton), who was first elected in 1988.
Winfield recalled being part of the coalition, including Republicans, that helped elect John Harwood as speaker and George Caruolo as majority leader, in 1993.
While that leadership slate campaigned as reformers, “it’s very hard to change the culture” in the General Assembly, Winfield said. At the same time, he said the thing he’ll most remember about his tenure on Smith Hill is “the people I met. There are a lot of good people who work in that building.”
This story has been updated.
