Shekarchi Will Not Run for Congress

Shekarchi Will Not Run for Congress

Speaker of the House Joe Shekarchi will not run for the soon-to-be-vacant first Congressional seat in Rhode Island. 

David Cicilline is leaving his seat to head the Rhode Island Foundation. This will set up a special election for the seat this summer or fall.

Shekarchi had told GoLocal last month that he was considering a run and had traveled to Washington and held a recent fundraiser in D.C.

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“The outpouring of support I’ve received to run for Congress – from friends, family, neighbors, supporters, advocates, community leaders, elected officials, and well-wishers, both here in Rhode Island and beyond — has been humbling, overwhelming, and inspiring,” Shekarchi said in a statement. 

To date, only Rhode Island Lt. Governor Sabina Matos has officially declared.

Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes has purchased a home in the district. She presently lives in Narragansett in the second congressional district.