Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi announced Thursday that he will not run for the Second Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin.
“Although I am humbled that Congressman Langevin and many others have mentioned me as a potential Congressional candidate, I love serving as speaker and representing my Warwick constituents at the State House,” Shekarchi said in a statement.
If Shekarchi pursued the CD2 seat, he would have been the person to beat in the race, thanks in part to a vote-rich base in Warwick and a proven record as a fundraiser. His candidacy would have discouraged other Democrats from running.
Instead, the potential Democratic field includes former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, state Sen. Sam Bell (D-Providence), state Sen. Josh Miller (D-Cranston), Rep. Robert Craven (D-North Kingstown), former Rep. Ed Pacheco, NEARI Executive Director Robert Walsh, and former Raimondo staffer Gabe Amo, among others. On the Republican side, former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung and his wife, Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (R-Cranston) are among the possible candidates.
Shekarchi, 59, cut his teeth as the Rhode Island manager of Paul Tsongas’ presidential run in 1992. Shekarchi managed Gina Raimondo’s successful 2010 run for general treasurer, and he won election to the House in 2012. Last year, the Warwick Democrat won the support of House Democrats to become speaker, a role often described as the most powerful post in state government, due to the ability of the speaker to control the state budget, legislation and Statehouse hiring.
“I have no intention of seeking the Congressional seat this year,” Shekarchi said. “We have done great work in the past year bringing people together to address important issues facing our state, including affordable housing, pay equity, climate change, health care, and so many others. These are unprecedented times as we face a pandemic recovery involving the investment of billions of federal dollars, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues in the House and Senate, and the Governor, to move our state forward.”
Langevin, who was first elected in 2000, announced earlier this week he would not seek a 12th term. He has not specified his future plans.
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.
