Cicilline Wins Re-Election, Now Seeks Top Democratic Leadership Slot

Cicilline Wins Re-Election, Now Seeks Top Democratic Leadership Slot

Congressman David Cicilline easily won reelection and now will be fighting for a top leadership position in the House Democratic leadership. Cicilline won 66 percent of the vote and GOP candidate Patrick Donovan won 33.7 of the vote with 93 percent reporting.

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Cicilline was first elected to the House in 2010 after narrowly defeating GOP State Representative John Loughlin.

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This year, Cicilline turned back little known GOP candidate Republican challenger Donovan of Newport.

Donovan ran an almost invisible campaign and raised no money according to the Federal Election Commission, but a GoFundMe account says he raised $1,200.

In September, Cicilline announced his intent to run for Assistant Democratic Leader in the 116th Congress.

“In preparation for the next Congress, we need to make sure that we have a leadership team that can hit the ground running to pass our legislative agenda and to hold President Trump accountable for his actions.  In Committee and on the Floor, I’ve proven that I can go toe-to-toe with the other side of the aisle and that I won’t back down. As a former mayor of a major city, I have the skills that are necessary to build coalitions and deliver results.  And as one of only six openly LGBT members of the House, I believe it is crucial that our leadership team represent and reflect the diversity and strength of the Democratic Party,” said Cicilline in a letter announcing his intention.

If Democrats win back the majority this November the Assistant Democratic Leader position will be vacant.

The position is elected by the Democratic Caucus and will be the fourth-ranking position if Democrats take back the House this November.