Ex-White House aide Gabe Amo wins Rhode Island Democratic primary in congressional special election
WJXT
Former White House aide Gabe Amo came out on top in a crowded Democratic primary for Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District special election Tuesday, beating out a slew of fellow candidates to move on to the general election in the heavily Democratic state.
Amo hopes to succeed former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who stepped down earlier this summer to become the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.
Amo, who grew up in Pawtucket the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, would be the first Black candidate to be elected to the U.S. House from Rhode Island. No person of color has represented the state in Congress.
Gerry Leonard, a U.S. Marine veteran and political newcomer, defeated fellow Republican candidate Terri Flynn, a former town council member, to win the GOP primary Tuesday.
"Were excited here, Leonard told The Associated Press after winning.
Im looking forward with great anticipation of getting out and continuing to move around District 1 and meet Rhode Islanders. Tell them my message. Tell them my story and tell them what I intend to do for the state, he said. We need to start sending leaders to Washington, D.C. that put principles before politics and service before self. That message will resonate.
