Democrat Gabe Amo defeated Republican Gerry Leonard to win Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District seat Tuesday, changing into the state’s first Black candidate elected to Congress.
Amo, the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants who as soon as labored as a White Home aide, succeeds former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who stepped down this summer to grow to be president and CEO of the Rhode Island Basis.
Moments after the race was known as, Amo stated he was grateful to have the ability to serve the district and state he loves.
“Undoubtedly, I’m humbled by the true momentous alternative to function the primary particular person of shade,” Amo instructed The Related Press earlier than strolling out to handle his supporters. “However I didn’t run to make historical past.”
Amo, 35, stated he sees himself as a part of a protracted line of advocates who got here earlier than him, whether or not they have been folks of shade or these preventing for the rights of lady or the working class.
“For Rhode Island, it’s been attention-grabbing to have an immigrant story that everybody can relate to,” he stated.
Amo stated considered one of his prime priorities on arriving in Washington can be to assist be certain that the federal authorities begins to operate once more.
He stated he may also work to struggle gun violence and defend Social Safety and Medicare.
“I’m going to be a voice for ensuring we will restore confidence and belief regardless of the Republican Occasion that’s rife with chaos,” he stated.
Amo, who grew up in Pawtucket, emerged victorious from a crowded Democratic field within the September main, claiming greater than 32% of the vote.
He served within the Obama and Biden administrations, most lately because the deputy director of the White Home Workplace of Intergovernmental Affairs. He additionally served at one level within the administration of then-Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo.
Amo went to Wheaton School and studied public coverage at Oxford College, and he has stated he was impressed by his mother and father’ drive. His mom studied nursing and his father opened a liquor retailer partly so he may very well be his personal boss.
“Simply because my mother and father have been born in two totally different West African international locations, (it) doesn’t imply it doesn’t match that narrative of how Rhode Island has been a haven for therefore many individuals from so many alternative locations to thrive and construct their households,” Amo said after his primary win.
Through the main, Amo received the endorsement of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who represented the district from 1995 to 2011.
Amo has stated he’ll work to legalize abortion nationwide once more and help laws to fight local weather change. He stated he may also push to ban assault-style firearms, help analysis into gun violence prevention on the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, and implement common background checks.
His win marks an ongoing transition away from the state’s Italian American political hierarchy, which was embodied by the late Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, Windfall’s charismatic longtime mayor who went to jail for corruption.
“I actually consider I’m a part of a generational shift that has been underway earlier than me,” Amo stated.
Amo defeated Leonard, a U.S. Marine veteran who received the two-candidate GOP main.
Leonard was gracious in defeat.
“You don’t go into any struggle pondering you will lose. We approached this positively like this was a possibility,” Leonard stated of the election. “My opponent ran a fantastic marketing campaign. I known as him early tonight and wished him the most effective. I hope he makes a fantastic congressman.”
The Republican had criticized “Bidenomics,” saying Biden’s financial plan hasn’t helped bizarre residents. He additionally stated he helps U.S. efforts to help Ukraine in its battle towards Russia.
The final Republican to signify the first Congressional District was Ron Machtley, who served from 1989-1995.
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