Biah Quits Congressional Race, Will Take on Ruggerio's Hand-Picked Candidate for Senate
GoLocalProv Political Team
Biah Quits Congressional Race, Will Take on Ruggerio's Hand-Picked Candidate for Senate
Biah will face the hand-picked candidate of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio — his own chief-of-staff Jake Bissaillon, as well as Michelle Rivera, policy director at Progreso Latino; and Terrence M. Hassett, a former long-time Providence City Council member — and one Republican, Niyoka Powell.
Biah said he is running for the same reasons he initially entered the Congressional race: to give every child access to a good public education; strengthen gun laws and enforce our existing laws to make sure everyone is safe, no matter their zip code; and help people get good jobs that pay a living wage.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Maryellen Goodwin was a mentor to me and a passionate advocate for our district,” said Biah. “We spent nearly three years working together as colleagues in the General Assembly and I am excited to build on her legacy of leadership as a member of the Senate.”
Biah is currently a State Representative and Principal at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School in Providence. He was born in Liberia and came to the United States as a refugee from the Liberian Civil War. He worked as an Extractor Operator at the Worcester Textile Company in North Providence while earning a GED and then attending Rhode Island College.
“I entered politics to solve the problems I see every day as a principal and a father,” said Biah. “Whether it’s gun violence, untreated mental health problems, housing insecurity, or the lack of good jobs — every problem we face as a state and as a nation ends up walking through the doors of a public school. I have been a leader in addressing those challenges and will continue to do so as a State Senator.”