Cranston’s Mayor Hopkins Announces GOP Endorsements Ahead of Battle with Fenton-Fung

Cranston’s Mayor Hopkins Announces GOP Endorsements Ahead of Battle with Fenton-Fung

Cranston Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins is claiming he “has the unified support of the three incumbent Republican members on the City Council, several school committee members and party leaders.”

He is expected to be challenged in the Republican primary for Mayor by State Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (District-15).

Council Member Citywide Nicole Renzulli and Councilmembers Richard D. Campopiano (Ward 4) and Christopher G. Paplauskas (Ward 5), as well Cranston School Committee Chair Michael A. Traficante (Citywide), Frank J. Ritz, Jr. (Ward 4), Earl J. "Buddy" Croft III (Ward 5) and Anthony Melillo (Ward 6) are all supporting Hopkins claims his campaign's announcement.

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Hopkins also has been endorsed by John Colasante, the new Chairperson of the Cranston Republican City Committee.

"I am honored to extend my wholehearted support to Mayor Ken Hopkins in the upcoming 2024 mayoral election," said Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli, who serves as Council Minority Leader.

"Taking office during the pandemic, the most challenging time in recent history, Mayor Hopkins has proven himself as a steadfast leader," she said. "Ken Hopkins's lifelong dedication to Cranston, encompassing roles as an educator, administrator, council member, and now as Mayor, underscores his profound commitment to public service. This endorsement reflects not only my satisfaction but also my anticipation of a close and productive partnership with Mayor Hopkins over the next four years,” she said.

Former Cranston Mayor and School Committee Chairperson Michael A. Traficante said, "As a former Mayor, I know firsthand the challenges a mayor faces. Ken Hopkins has shown he has the experience, maturity, and temperament to be an effective chief executive for Cranston.”

Traficante highlighted Hopkins' almost 30-year career in education and his support for Cranston schools. "In the last three years, the Mayor has been a strong advocate for our schools and is the right choice to continue Cranston on its path towards a 21st-century education for all grades and school pupils".

Melillo said, "Ken Hopkins is the most qualified candidate for mayor this year and deserves re-election."

 

Fenton-Fung Issues Statement But Refuses to Answer Questions

Fenton-Fung refused to answer questions about her failure to secure any GOP support. She did issue a statement.

Fenton-Fung statement:
"With Ken Hopkins at the helm, the Republican party in Cranston has been humiliated. Not only by losing control of the council to the Democrats after a petty fight between him and Councilman Ferri resulted in the latter's party switch, but then by getting pummeled in a special election in one of the most Republican wards in the city - in Mr. Hopkins's own backyard. The "my way or the highway" tactics Ken Hopkins and his campaign team have been using belong in the 1950s - women don't take orders from men like that anymore.  His team's numerous overtures to get me out of the race in the past few weeks are only more evidence that he must be concerned that his ideas and track record are not all that popular. I'm very much aware that they view me as a threat because my approach and ideas transcend the old school way of doing business, and are very popular to Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike."

 

This story was first published 1/28/24 8:56 PM. This story was updated at 1/29/24 7:00 AM