EMILY’s List Endorses Gorbea for RI Governor, Big Loss for Foulkes

EMILY’s List Endorses Gorbea for RI Governor, Big Loss for Foulkes

Emily’s List announced the endorsement of Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea for Governor of Rhode Island on Thursday

The group is the largest national resource for women who are seeking public office, and they have been working with Secretary Gorbea since her first campaign in 2014.

The endorsement of Gorbea is a huge blow to fellow Democrat Helena Foulkes who has a big Democratic network. Her uncle was a long-time Democratic U.S. Senator from Connecticut and her grandfather Tom Dodd was also a U.S. Senator from Connecticut.

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Foulkes' late mother was college roommate to now-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

But despite Foulkes' political connections, Gorbea bested her in one of the most important endorsements in a Democratic primary.

Foulkes campaign spokesperson Josh Karp did not respond to questions.

“I am honored to have earned EMILY’s List endorsement of my campaign for Governor of Rhode Island. I share EMILY’s List vision for a government that reflects the people it serves and strong leaders who will fight for better lives for the people they represent. As a leader in the race for Governor of Rhode Island, the EMILY’s List endorsement will help me continue to run a winning campaign that is reflective of how I intend to govern when elected - bringing multiple voices to the table to ensure that all communities are represented and that the government works for every Rhode Islander,” said Gorbea.

Laphonza Butler, President of Emily’s List said, “EMILY’s List is proud to stand with Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea as she runs to make history once again as Governor of Rhode Island.  Secretary Gorbea is a dedicated public servant who has prioritized integrity, transparency, and inclusivity as Rhode Island secretary of state. She stepped up to protect Rhode Islanders’ right to vote when that right was under threat, working to modernize election infrastructure, increase cybersecurity measures, and implement automated voter registration."

"We know that as governor, Gorbea will continue to lead by example and work with diverse coalitions to protect the rights of Rhode Islanders. She will prioritize local economic development, housing affordability, school improvement, and address climate change. A Governor Gorbea administration will ensure that workers and families can live in a more equitable state. The entire EMILY’s List community is ready to help Secretary Gorbea win this important election,” Butler added.

Since its founding, Emily’s List has helped elect 16 governors and over 1,300 state and federal officials.