State Senator Sheehan Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

State Senator Sheehan Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

State Senator James C. Sheehan (D-North Kingstown) announced Friday he does not plan to seek re-election this year. Sheehan explained that the driving force behind his decision was his desire to spend more time with his family.

He was first elected in 2000.
 
“I have given 20 years of honest and dedicated public service.  At age 54, I want to spend more quality time with my wife and family,” said Sheehan. 

He is the second member of the senate to announce that they would not seek reelection. Earlier today, Senator Donna Nesselbush announced she was retiring.
 
The North Kingstown Democrat emerged in state politics as an opponent of a controversial mega container port proposal at Quonset Point as part of his winning race for the Senate in 2000. Sheehan said he introduced the issue to Donald Carcieri, who also opposed the proposal and went on to win the first of two terms as governor in 2002. Governor Carcieri terminated the ill-advised port plan after taking office.

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

According to a statement issued by Sheehan, he worked on a variety of issues, ranging from healthcare to economic development. But Sheehan’s main focus has been ethical, publicly accountable and transparent governance. As a freshman, Sheehan, along with close friend and mentor the late Senator J. Michael Lenihan, successfully advocated for the historic Separation of Powers amendment to remove legislators from executive boards and commissions. Over the years, Sheehan has sponsored laws to reform the state’s eminent domain statutes; provide greater accountability and transparency over the state’s quasi-public agencies; update and open up the state’s Access to Public Records Act; revamp the failed Economic Development Corp., renamed the RI Commerce Corp. He led the charge to enact an Ethics Amendment in the state Constitution and sponsored a new Post-Election Audit law to ensure fair and accurate statewide election results. In recognition of these accomplishments, Common Cause of Rhode Island, a premier government watchdog group, presented Sheehan with their Excellence in Public Service Award in 2019. 

“No liberal or conservative holds a patent to truth. This means we all need to truly listen to each other if we are to find common ground solutions to the issues of our day. Sadly, with many people getting their information from similar-minded social media groups as well as cable news echo chambers, civic discourse has become increasingly polarized and mean-spirited. This must change. As President Lincoln rightly reminded us, a house divided against itself cannot stand,” said Sheehan.
  
Sheehan said that it’s a good time for him to leave the General Assembly since his step-son is poised to graduate from high school, his son is headed to junior high and his daughter will be going to first grade. He looks forward to helping his step-son find a career path, coaching soccer for his son and daughter, and simply be there more for his family. 
 
“I ran to restore a measure of faith in public service. I hope my constituents would agree that did my level best to keep that promise. To my constituents, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the privilege and honor of serving them in the Rhode Island State Senate,” added Sheehan.