Gorbea Announces Run for Governor

GoLocalProv News Team

Gorbea Announces Run for Governor

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea on Monday morning announced her plans to run for Governor of Rhode Island in 2022.

In a nearly four-minute announcement video, Gorbea likens Rhode Island to her native Puerto Rico and features a number of endorsements including former RI Common Cause head Phil West and physician and political activist Pablo Rodriguez.

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Gorbea, a Democrat, is the first Latina in New England to run in a gubernatorial race. Presently, she has $546,538.62 cash on hand for her run.

The announcement of her run for governor was sent out by the DC firm SWAY, "a strategic communications and multi-media production company." The firm lists RI Governor Dan McKee as one of its clients.

“I have a track record of meeting challenges head-on, of thinking beyond the status quo and building consensus on tough policy decisions,” Gorbea said. “As Governor, I will continue to make our government more accountable to the people, to challenge special interests and the status quo and connect people to opportunities that will help them thrive.”

Gorbea Makes Case

The video cites that "Gorbea has modernized Rhode Island’s elections infrastructure, increased cybersecurity measures and brought both online and automated voter registration to the state. She has developed online resources and reduced red tape to make it easier for small businesses to start and grow. Additionally, she overhauled the lobbying laws to hold special interests accountable when they don’t follow the law, ensure better compliance so the public can see who is influencing their government, and enhance transparency."

Her campaign states that "since first being elected to office in 2014, Gorbea has transformed the Rhode Island Department of State from a filing cabinet to a nationally recognized hub of information that works for people. As Governor, Gorbea will continue to transform and modernize state government, to capitalize on Rhode Island’s many strengths, and put the state at the forefront of education, affordable housing, and climate resilience."

“It has long been my mission to fundamentally change the way that government works for the people. I have done this in my role as Secretary of State and I look forward to doing this for Rhode Islanders as their Governor. I know a strong Rhode Island economy is dependent on having high quality education for all, housing that is affordable, and an infrastructure that is climate resilient,” Gorbea said. “We absolutely can tackle these issues with a diversity of voices, perspectives and opinions around the table. I am the proven leader to do just that.” 

Before entering public service, Gorbea founded the Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund and served on numerous other community boards. Prior to running for office, she was the Executive Director of HousingWorks RI.

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