RI Political Diary: Cooperative Announces 5 New Candidates; RI GOP Senate Leader Retiring
GoLocalProv Political Team
RI Political Diary: Cooperative Announces 5 New Candidates; RI GOP Senate Leader Retiring
RI Political Cooperative Announces Five New General Assembly Candidates
On Thursday, the Rhode Island Political Cooperative announced that five new progressive candidates—Danielle Walsh, Arthur Flanders, Savannah DaCruz, Jennifer Stewart and San Shoppell—have joined their campaign slate.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“We’re ecstatic to announce the addition of 5 progressive champions to our 2022 Co-op slate,” said Cooperative Co-Chair Jennifer Rourke. “I know that these candidates will bring their crucial lived experiences and dedication to building a Rhode Island that works for everyone to the State House. These candidates are all deeply committed to enacting universal healthcare, tackling the housing affordability crisis, and passing a Green New Deal.”
The Coop described the candidates as:
- Danielle Walsh is an educator, mother, and the development director of BLM RI PAC running for State House District 32. Danielle grew up in a working-class family and is running to ensure that no other family has to experience poverty.
- Arthur Flanders is a queer working-class man running for State Senate District 7. As a type 1 diabetic, Arthur struggles to afford his lifesaving insulin. Raised in a working-class household, Arthur’s passion for labor issues has grown over a lifetime of working underpaid, physically-demanding jobs.
- Savannah DaCruz is a Cape Verdean artist and activist running for State House District 2. Raised in Providence RI by a single mother who worked as a waitress, Savannah grew up experiencing housing and food insecurity. She now works at Dorcas International, helping refugee and immigrant communities in Rhode Island.
- Jennifer Stewart is an award-winning teacher running for House District 59. After being asked to run by her students, Jennifer entered the race to fight for a livable climate, fair wages, and affordable healthcare.
- San Shoppell is a community advocate, chef, and artist running for State House District 65. As an activist, San was intensely involved with organizing to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act, and volunteers her time with the Womxn Project and AMORE.
The Rhode Island Republican Party issued a statement regarding the retirement of Senate Minority Leader Dennis Algieri.
"The Rhode Island Republican Party would like to thank Senate Minority Leader Dennis Algieri for his leadership and dedication to improving the lives of Rhode Islanders throughout his three-decade career. He set the foundation for senate Republicans and has led the caucus tirelessly. We wish him the best in this next chapter of his life and look forward to electing senators that share the same vision for a better Rhode Island. Our commitment to increasing Republican participation in the senate is unwavering."
He began his political career in 1990, when he was elected to the Westerly Town Council. He was elected to the Senate in November 1992 and appointed Senate Deputy Minority Leader in 1995.
In 1997, the Republican caucus elected him Minority Leader. In that capacity, he is an ex-officio member of all Senate committees.