Democratic Candidate for Mayor of Cranston Refuses to Endorse Speaker Mattiello

Democratic Candidate for Mayor of Cranston Refuses to Endorse Speaker Mattiello

Maria Bucci who won the Democratic primary for Mayor of Cranston this week is refusing to endorse fellow Democrat Speaker of the House Nick Mattiello.

After numerous requests for comment about Bucci’s support for the powerful Speaker, Bucci’s campaign emailed GoLocal the following.

“Maria is focused on her campaign and has no comment [on endorsing Mattiello],” said Erich Haslehurst, spokesperson for the Bucci campaign.

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Mattiello faces GOP nominee Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung in the General Election.

Bucci who ran a smart campaign and upset sitting City Councilor Steve Stycos garnered the support of many progressive groups.

Bucci received the most votes in the Democratic Primary and more votes than GOP winner Ken Hopkins. With 3,823 votes in a closely contested race, she received the most votes of any candidate vying to become Cranston’s next Mayor. The total number of voters in the Democratic Mayoral Primary, 7,704, far outnumbered the Republican Mayoral turnout of 4,598,” said the Bucci campaign.

Hopkins received 3,524 votes in his significant win over Council President Micheal Farina who received just 1,085 votes.

“I am so excited by these results. Cranston voters are ready for the change that I will bring to City Hall. My campaign is all about bringing people together, building strong teams and making government open and accessible to everyone. Together, we will succeed,” said Bucci on Thursday.

This story was first published 9/11/20 6:58 PM