Who Is Looking to Succeed Langevin — Who’s In, Out, and Not Telling
GoLocalProv Political Team
Who Is Looking to Succeed Langevin — Who’s In, Out, and Not Telling
This is the first open Congressional seat in Rhode Island since Patrick Kennedy bowed out in 2010 in the first congressional district, setting up a very competitive race between then-Providence Mayor David Cicilline (D) and State Representative John Loughlin (R).
The second congressional district is loaded with communities that voted for Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020. This is a district that could be competitive for the GOP.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIt is likely to be a crowded race — both the Democratic and Republican primaries could have multiple viable candidates.
GoLocal talked to a dozen potential candidates — SEE BELOW who is in, out, and not telling.
Potential Candidates for the 2nd Congressional Seat - Jan 18 2022
Brendan Doherty (D)
The former Colonel of the Rhode Island State Police ran for Congress in 2012 as a Republican in the first congressional district -- losing to David Cicilline.
He tells GoLocal, "Yes I am considering a run for Congress. I'm mulling it over with my family at this time."
Since that loss, he has written a book, worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and opened his own consulting business. Doherty is a close advisor to Dan McKee.
He lives in Narragansett.
Bob Walsh (D)
The executive director of NEARI ran for congress back in 1992. He lost but was seen as an emerging leader in Rhode Island.
Since then, Walsh has been immersed in nearly every major discussion about education and labor issues in the state.
He tells GoLocal, “Well with only six hours of pondering I have not ruled it out, but I expect many could give the same answer!”
Dylan Conley (D)
Conley took a run at Jim Langevin in 2020 in the Democratic primary and fell short -- losing with just 29% of the vote.
Conley is chair of the Providence Board of Licenses and an attorney.
He tells GoLocal, "I will speak with family and trusted friends to discuss the possibility, but I was not planning on running prior to this announcement."
Stephen Ucci (D)
The former Rhode Island legislator has had a distinguished career as legal counsel for top tech firms.
Moreover, Ucci has a strong base in the Johnston and North Providence area.
He tells GoLocal, "I have gotten many calls and texts…it’s something I had never contemplated…I want to thank Congressman Langevin for his exemplary service to our State and Nation."
Robert Lancia (R)
The former Republican State Representative had already announced a run against Langevin in 2022.
He ran and lost in 2020 to Langevin by a 58-41 margin.
But, now he could face a significant group of challengers in the GOP primary in 2022.
Patricia Morgan (R)
State Representative Patricia Morgan ran for governor in 2018 and lost to Allan Fung.
She recently made national news for controversial comments about her "Black Friend" --- comments that were deemed as inappropriate by both Democrats and Republicans.
When asked by GoLocal if she was looking at a run, Morgan said, "Maybe."
Josh Miller (D)
One of the progressive stalwarts of the Rhode Island State Senate is telling supporters that he is considering a run.
Miller has a base in Cranston and could attract progressive voters.
Ken Block (R/M)
The former Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate took to Facebook to announce he will not be a candidate.
"I have received media inquiries as well as questions from some of you whether I would run for the seat. While Congress is intriguing to me, the answer is no. Here is why: 1) I’m pretty sure a divorce would be required to run for Congress. 2) I am not in a position in my life where I could comfortably serve. 3) I don’t live in Langevin’s district. 4) RI simply will not be sending a non-Democrat to Washington DC. 5) I have no drive - at all - to subject myself to the hyper-partisanship that would be unavoidable if I won. I want to get things done and Congress most definitely is not a place to do that."
Joe Shekarchi (D}
The Speaker of the House will be a factor in the Democratic primary one way or another, either as a candidate or as the one who directs the endorsement.
Shekarchi would be a front-runner immediately as he is sitting on a war chest of $1.4 million.
Jorge Elorza (D)
Elorza has over $1 million in his campaign account, name recognition, and a progressive and Latino base.
In a crowded Democratic primary, his base would be a major advantage.
While his popularity as mayor of Providence was fallen, he is an experienced campaigner.
Nellie Gorbea (D)
She has announced that she will not run for Congress. She says she is committed to her run for governor.
She has $750,000 in her campaign account.
If she ran for Congress, she would be a front-runner.
Others:
House Minority Leaders Blake Filippi (R)
State Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (R)
State Senator Sam Bell (D) (See PHOTO)
Providence City Council President John Igliozzi (D)
