GOP's Ashley Kalus Attends Shekarchi’s West Palm Fundraiser

GOP's Ashley Kalus Attends Shekarchi’s West Palm Fundraiser

Prolific fundraiser and Speaker of the House Joe Shekarchi held a West Palm, Florida fundraiser on the Sunday of the recent February school vacation break.

The warm weather event raised tens of thousands for the Shekarchi campaign. In an interview, the Speaker refused to say the total amount raised.

He said, “Checks are still coming in.”

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

One of the attendees at the fundraiser was 2022 Republican Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate Ashley Kalus. 

Shekarchi confirmed that she did pay to attend.

Sitting Democratic Governor Dan McKee won the 2022 election with a 58% to 39% drubbing over Kalus in the biggest margin of victory for a Rhode Island governor since 1990.

 

Shekarchi’s War Chest

The February Florida fundraiser piles more money into Shekarchi’s campaign account.

Through December 31, Shekarchi reported $2,260,985.50 in his campaign account.

He raised more than $135,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Shekarchi’s campaign account earned in excess of $25,000 in interest for the quarter.

The Speaker has more money on hand than any two Rhode Island elected officials combined, and dwarfs Senate President Dominick Ruggerio's balance of $95,990.80.

 

More Noise About a Shekarchi Run for Governor in 2026

There is growing talk that Shekarchi is considering a 2026 run for governor.

McKee, the sitting governor, has $206,554.54 cash on hand.

And, likely, Democratic candidate and former CVS executive Helena Foulkes has $120,295.96 in her campaign account, after raising $116,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023. 

She has not declared.