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Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District special election, 2023 (September 5 Democratic primary)
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Gabe Amo defeated 10 candidates in the Democratic special primary election for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District on September 5, 2023. He advanced to the general election on November 7, 2023. The previous incumbent, David Cicilline (D), resigned on May 31, 2023, to run the Rhode Island Foundation.[1][2]
Among the 11 candidates were Rhode Island's lieutenant governor, three incumbent state legislators, one local official, two former state representatives, and a former White House aide. Gabe Amo, Sandra Cano, Don Carlson, Sabina Matos, and Aaron Regunberg had received the most media attention and endorsements.
The Boston Globe's Edward Fitzpatrick said, "In a traditional congressional race, such support [endorsements] might be merely routine. But political observers say that in a low-turnout special election such as this one, when fewer than 10,000 votes could decide the winner, these types of endorsements carry extra value, especially when they come with on-the-ground support."[3] While most candidates had similar platforms, according to The Cook Political Report, the race "could ripen into a traditional Democratic primary battle between Matos, the mainstream Democrat, and Regunberg, the progressive."[4]
Amo was a special assistant to President Joe Biden (D) and deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.[5] Amo said, "I know how to work together to deliver results on what really matters, including housing, health care, reproductive freedom, and safety from gun violence."[6] The Congressional Black Caucus PAC endorsed Amo.[7]
Cano represented Rhode Island State Senate District 8 since 2018. Cano said, "Throughout my time in public service, I’ve worked hard to enact policies that truly make a difference – from stronger gun safety laws, to the codification of Roe v. Wade in Rhode Island, to income tax exemptions on retirement and Social Security income, and more."[8] The National Education Association Rhode Island and United Nurses & Allied Professionals endorsed Cano.[3]
Carlson was a business leader, attorney, and professor.[9] Carlson said, "I’ve learned the strengths and weaknesses of our system of democratic capitalism from the inside out. ... And I have a solid perspective on how to make our system work better for every American family ..."[10] The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund endorsed Carlson.[11] He suspended his campaign on August 27, 2023.[12]
Matos was Rhode Island's lieutenant governor and was the only statewide elected official in the race. Matos said, "I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and continue fighting for the things that matter: addressing the cost of housing, reproductive freedom, working to solve our climate crisis, and protecting our democracy."[13] Emily's List, the Latino Victory Fund, and Elect Democratic Women endorsed Matos.[14][15]
Regunberg represented Rhode Island House of Representatives District 4 from 2015 to 2018. He then attended law school and worked as a judicial clerk in the U.S. District Courts.[16] Regunberg said, "I know that, together, our communities can take on these dangerous forces – the gun industry, fossil fuel companies, Big Pharma, and their Republican allies – and win. That’s why I’m running for Congress."[17] U.S. Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Regunberg.[18]
Stephanie Beauté, Walter Berbrick, Stephen Casey, Spencer Dickinson, John Goncalves, Ana Quezada, and Allen Waters also ran in the primary.
During the 2022 general election for this district, The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball rated the district Solid Democratic. Daily Kos calculated what the results of the 2020 presidential election in this district would have been following redistricting. Joe Biden (D) would have defeated Donald Trump (R) 63.8%-34.7%.[19]
As of September 17, 2025, 13 special elections have been called for the 118th Congress. From the 113th Congress to the 117th Congress, 67 special elections were held. For more data on historical congressional special elections, click here.
Ballotpedia tracked all noteworthy endorsements related to this race. To view a full list of these endorsements, click here.
This page focuses on Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District special Democratic primary. For more in-depth information on the district's special Republican primary and the special general election, see the following pages:
- Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District special election, 2023 (September 5 Republican primary)
- Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District special election, 2023
Gabe Amo (D), Walter Berbrick (D), Sandra Cano (D), and Don Carlson (D) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. To read those survey responses, click here.
Election news
This section includes a timeline of events leading up to the election.
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
This list will be updated after the candidate filing deadline has passed and the official list of candidates becomes available. Please contact us if you notice an official candidate missing from the list or the inclusion of a candidate who withdrew.
Democratic primary election
Special Democratic primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
The following candidates ran in the special Democratic primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on September 5, 2023.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Gabe Amo  | 32.4 | 12,946 |
 | J. Aaron Regunberg | 24.9 | 9,960 | |
 | Sandra Cano | 13.9 | 5,574 | |
 | Sabina Matos | 8.0 | 3,210 | |
 | Stephen Casey | 5.8 | 2,329 | |
 | Walter Berbrick | 3.6 | 1,453 | |
 | Ana Quezada | 3.5 | 1,415 | |
 | John Goncalves | 2.8 | 1,118 | |
 | Don Carlson (Unofficially withdrew) | 1.7 | 690 | |
 | Allen Waters | 1.3 | 503 | |
 | Stephanie Beauté | 1.1 | 428 | |
 | Spencer Dickinson | 0.9 | 354 | |
| Total votes: 39,980 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Bella Noka (D)
- Nicholas Autiello II (D)
- Nathan Biah (D)
- Paul LeBon (D)
- Toni Sfameni (D)
- Kathleen Gaskell (D)
- Larry Hutchinson Jr. (D)
- Gregory Mundy (D)
- Michael Tillinghast (D)
- Marvin Abney (D)
- Mickeda Barnes (D)
Voting information
Candidate comparison
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Gabe Amo is a proud Rhode Islander, a Pawtucket native, and the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants. His mother is a nurse and his father is a small business owner. He graduated from Moses Brown School in Providence, where he was President of the Student Senate and received the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Civic Leadership Award. Gabe graduated from Wheaton College magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and was also President of the Student Government Association. He received a Truman Scholarship for public service, and after graduating, received a Marshall Scholarship to study public policy at Oxford. Gabe Amo’s commitment to service inspired him to work in the Obama and Biden administrations, as well as for former Governor Gina Raimondo. Under President Obama, Gabe served in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. He was then appointed by former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo to serve as her Director of Public Engagement and Community Affairs. Most recently and until April 2023, Gabe served as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, where he served as President Biden’s principal liaison to mayors and local elected officials."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 in 2023.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I am a Veteran, educator, and community volunteer in Rhode Island where I live with my wonderful wife, Laurie, and our two school aged children. I am the son of a cook and cashier and grew up washing dishes in my family’s restaurant, and was the first in his family to graduate college. After 9/11, I balanced service as an intelligence officer in the Navy and bartending to finance and Master’s and Doctorate degrees. For the past 15 years, I educated leaders, analyzed threats, and spearheaded real world solutions in the U.S. Naval War College, the State Department under Secretary John Kerry, the Pentagon, and American Red Cross to keep Americans safe from violent extremism, climate change, and authoritarian governments. I led our nation's research and brought international leaders together to build peaceful paths forward with the land and ocean opening in the arctic. At home, I volunteered to deliver COVID supplies and vaccines to our most vulnerable citizens and support families shut out of their homes in the cold during the Newport gas crisis of 2019. I am running because I was asked by supporters on both sides of the aisle and I am tired of the divisiveness and lack of action in Congress when Rhode Islanders are hurting in every aspect of their life. I want to fight so my daughter and all our children have the same rights my wife and mother had and restoring and strengthening our civil rights, whether it be restoring Roe v. Wade or all civil rights."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 in 2023.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- Rhode Island State Senate District 8 (Assumed office: 2018)
- Pawtucket City Council (2015-2018)
Submitted Biography: "Sandra Cano is a Democrat representing District 8 (Pawtucket) in the Rhode Island Senate and running to represent Congressional District One. Sandra Cano was born in Medellin, Colombia, and moved to the United States with her family in 2000 under political asylum. She was educated in the Pawtucket School System and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Economics from Bryant University (2007) and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the University of Rhode Island (2012). She attended the Harvard Kennedy School where she completed multiple executive leadership programs in 2016. Professionally, Sandra is the Director of Commerce for the City of Pawtucket. She is responsible for working with the City’s business community, with a particular focus on collaborating and providing assistance to local small businesses. She is currently on a leave of absence as she runs for Congress. She previously worked as the Assistant Vice President of Community Development at Navigant Credit Union, where she was responsible for developing community-based partnerships and developing financial education campaigns for low income and diverse populations."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 in 2023.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I’ve been lucky throughout my life to work with some of the most influential people and companies in the world. Yet I find myself continually returning to the place that makes me the happiest: the classroom. To name a few: developing and teaching original courses as a Visiting Professor of Environmental Studies as well as Economics at Williams College, or launching an MBA in Sustainable Business Studies at Bard College, and more recently, developing and teaching a “Leading in Crisis” seminar together with the Dean at Yale University. Whether I’m reflecting on my roles as teacher, troop leader, board member, EMT or lawyer, I’ve learned this secret: the best ideas, the moments that light us up and inspire us, that compel us to be the best versions of ourselves, come from vigorous debate and collaboration involving every voice in the room. True leadership is the art of summoning others to stretch to reach their full potential. This is equally true from the classroom to the boardroom to the floor of the US House of Representatives."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 in 2023.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island (Assumed office: 2021)
- Providence City Council Ward 15 (2011-2021)
Biography: Matos received a bachelor's degree in communications and public relations from Rhode Island College in 2001. As of the election, Matos served as lieutenant governor of Rhode Island since April 14, 2021. Prior to serving as lieutenant governor, Matos served on the Providence City Council, representing Ward 15 from 2011 to 2021. She was sworn in as president of the council in January 2019.
Show sources
Sources: Sabina Matos United States Congress, "Meet Sabina Matos," accessed July 17, 2023, Sabina Matos United States Congress, "Overview," accessed July 20, 2023, Twitter, "Sabina Matos," July 13, 2023; Providence Monthly, "2020 Vision: A Sit Down with Sabina Matos," October 2, 2020, LinkedIn, "Sabina Matos," accessed July 17, 2023, What's Up Newp, "Sabina Matos will be sworn in as 70th Lt. Governor of Rhode Island on Wednesday," April 13, 2021
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 in 2023.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
Rhode Island House of Representatives District 4 (2015-2018)
Biography: Regunberg received a bachelor's degree in political science and government from Brown University in 2012 and a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2022. He worked as a judicial law clerk for the U.S. District Courts. He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing District 4 from 2015 to 2018.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 in 2023.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Gabe Amo (D)
Right now, we are dealing with serious threats to our democracy and our freedoms, including the freedom to thrive in this economy. Too many Rhode Island families are feeling economic anxiety due to the increased cost of living and housing affordability. This is especially true for our seniors. Republicans in Congress are attacking the livelihoods of Rhode Island seniors and pushing dramatic cuts to Social Security and Medicare. These are programs that people have paid into and that they have earned. Read my full plan here: gabeamo.com/gabes-plan.
No member of Congress should stand in between a woman and her doctor. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, they overturned nearly 50 years of protection for safe, legal abortion. The work of public servants, advocates, and community activists have made Rhode Island a safe haven for access to safe, affordable, and accessible abortion. It is our responsibility to protect these rights nationally and ensure access for all women. Read my full plan at gabeamo.com/gabes-plan
Walter Berbrick (D)
Fighting RISING DIVISION: Protect our foundational freedoms from Trump extremism ▪ Re-establish the protections guaranteed by Roe v. Wade ▪ Pass common sense gun legislation (red flag laws, assault weapons ban, and universal background checks) ▪ Protect and enshrine the right to vote for all Americans
Fighting RISING SEAS: Safeguard our planet from climate change ▪ Lower greenhouse gas emissions ▪ Create good-paying clean energy jobs ▪ Protect our air, water, and public lands
Sandra Cano (D)
We need voices in congress that can speak directly to the experiences of the working families in our country. I believe we need to send someone to congress who has experience both in life and in service. I have the lived experience pertaining to the issues before us - and also the legislative experience at every level of government in Rhode Island.
Our democracy is more fragile than ever: voting rights, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and social safety nets like Medicare and Social Security are under attack. ... We can make meaningful change for people through policy. I have done that throughout my professional career and during my time in public service.
Don Carlson (D)
Gun violence is our national curse. MAGA Republicans and their allies stubbornly block action to end the scourge of gun violence. It’s time to summon the courage to stand up to the powerful gun lobby to do what the majority of Americans want: pass meaningful gun safety laws and get weapons of war off our streets, out of our classrooms, concert venues, movie theaters, places of worship, and everywhere else that our communities gather together.
My daughters and their peers are now fighting the same battle that their grandmothers fought and won half a century ago. Access to abortion care has been a Constitutional right since 1975. The Supreme Court is no longer a paragon of objectivity, integrity and truth that it once was. Instead, the Supreme Court majority has an extreme right agenda that it is hellbent on inflicting on Americans families.
Gabe Amo (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Sandra Cano (D)
Don Carlson (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Walter Berbrick (D)
Moms Demand Action
Charles Holden
Sandra Cano (D)
Cano has also received the endorsement of the Cumberland Democratic Town Committee, Jamestown Democratic Town Committee and was named a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate.
Endorsements from local leaders include:
Mayors: Cumberland Mayor Jeff Mutter, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien, North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi, Former Cumberland Mayor Bill Murray, Former Pawtucket Mayor Robert Metivier;
State Senators: Samuel Bell (SD5 Providence), Louis DiPalma (SD12 Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton), Dawn Euer (SD13 Newport, Jamestown), Valerie Lawson (SD14 East Providence), Majority Leader Ryan Pearson (SD19 Cumberland, Lincoln), Meghan Kallman (SD15 Pawtucket, Providence), Robert Britto (SD18 East Providence, Pawtucket), Melissa Murray (SD24 Woonsocket, North Smithfield), Mark McKenney (SD30 Warwick), Pamela Lauria (SD32 Barrington, East Providence, Bristol), and Alana DiMario (SD36 Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham); and Former State Senator Jim Seveney (SD11 Portsmouth, Bristol, Tiverton);
State Representatives: Rebecca Kislak (HD4 East Side of Providence), Joshua Giraldo (HD56 Central Falls), and Karen Alzate (HD60 Pawtucket, Central Falls );
Municipal Leaders: Pawtucket City Council President Terrence Mercer, Pawtucket City Council At-Large Members Michael Araujo, Roberto Moreno and Yesenia Rubio; Pawtucket City Council Members Mark Wildenhain, Neicy Coderre, and Marlena Martins Stachowiak; the entire Pawtucket School Committee (members James Chellel Jr., Chair, Kimberly Grant, Deputy Chair, Joanne Bonollo, Jennifer Carney, Gerard Charbonneau, Erin Dube, and Marsha Fernandes); as well as Central Falls Officials Robert Ferri (City Council President), Tatiana Baena (City Council At Large), and Hugo Figueroa (School Board Member and former City Councilor); North Providence Councilors Dino Autiello (Town Council President), Steven Loporchio, Ronald R. Baccala, Jr, and Ken Amoriggi; Bristol Town Council Member Timothy Sweeney; and Portsmouth School Committee Vice Chair Juan Carlos Payero; Cumberland Town Council Members Lisa Beaulieu and Bob Shaw; Cumberland School Committee Member Mark Fiorillo; Former Cumberland Town Councilors Jim Higgins, Stephanie Gemski, and Thomas Kane.
Don Carlson (D)
Campaign ads
This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.
Gabe Amo
| August 31, 2023 |
| August 31, 2023 |
| August 27, 2023 |
View more ads here:
Sandra Cano
| August 23, 2023 |
| August 11, 2023 |
| July 31, 2023 |
View more ads here:
Don Carlson
| August 14, 2023 |
| July 31, 2023 |
| July 28, 2023 |
View more ads here:
Sabina Matos
| August 21, 2023 |
| July 24, 2023 |
View more ads here:
Aaron Regunberg
| August 25, 2023 |
| August 14, 2023 |
| August 14, 2023 |
View more ads here:
Debates and forums
This section includes links to debates, forums, and other similar events where multiple candidates in this race participated. If you are aware of any debates or forums that should be included, please email us.
August 31, 2023
All 11 candidates participated in an NBC 10 debate at Rhode Island College. The debate was split in two rounds, with six participating in the first round and five in the second. Both debates were recorded on August 31, with Round 1 broadcasted the same day and Round 2 broadcasted the following day.[20][21]
Click on the links below for a summary of the event:
August 29, 2023
Eight of 11 candidates participated in a televised debate hosted by WPRI 12 News at Rhode Island College.[22]
Click on the links below for a summary of the event:
August 22, 2023
Ten of 12 candidates participated in forums sponsored by The Providence Journal and The Public's Radio, in partnership with Rhode Island PBS and Rhode Island College.[42]
Click on the link below for a summary of the event:
August 17, 2023
Ten of 12 candidates participated in a debate hosted by Rhode Island Association of Democratic City and Town Chairs.[43]
Click on the links below for summaries of the event:
August 15, 2023
Ten of the 12 candidates participated in a candidate forum presented by Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.[44]
Click on the links below for summaries of the event:
August 10, 2023
Amo, Beauté, Cano, Carlson, Goncalves, Matos, Quezada, and Regunberg participated in a debate hosted by The Bartholomewtown Podcast.[29]
Click on the links below for summaries of the event:
August 8, 2023
Amo, Beauté, Berbrick, Casey, Cano, Carlson, Goncalves, Matos, Quezada, and Regunberg participated in a candidate forum focused on minority-owned small businesses. Social Enterprise Greenhouse, the R.I. Black Business Association, the R.I. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Center for Southeast Asians, and Hope & Main hosted the forum.[45]
Click on the link below for a summary of the event:
August 7, 2023
Eight of the 12 candidates participated in the Peace Advocates’ Candidate Forum at the Weaver Library in East Providence.[46]
August 4, 2023
Amo, Cano, Carlson, Goncalves, Matos, Quezada, and Regunberg attended a debate hosted by the Rhode Island Black Lives Matter PAC and Rhode Island Black Business Association.[47]
August 1, 2023
Amo, Cano, Carlson, Goncalves, Matos, and Quezada participated in a candidate forum, which focused on opioid addiction and recovery, at the Anchor Recovery Community Center.[48]
Click on the link below for a summary of the event:
July 24, 2023
Amo, Beauté, Berbrick, Cano, Carlson, Dickinson, Goncalves, Matos, Quezada, and Regunberg participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Rhode Island Democratic Women's Caucus at the Weaver Library.[49]
Click on the links below for summaries of the event:
July 19, 2023
Regunberg, Waters, Casey, Cano, Carlson, and Berbrick participated in a virtual forum hosted by Ray-ality TV.[50] Also on July 19, 2023, Matos, Dickinson, Amo, Beauté, Goncalves, and Quezada participated in a separate virtual forum hosted by Ray-ality TV.[51]
Noteworthy endorsements
This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.
Election competitiveness
Polls
- See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics, when available. No polls were available for this election. To notify us of polls published in this election, please email us.
Election spending
Campaign finance
This section contains campaign finance figures from the Federal Election Commission covering all candidate fundraising and spending in this election.[52] It does not include information on fundraising before the current campaign cycle or on spending by satellite groups. The numbers in this section are updated as candidates file new campaign finance reports. Candidates for Congress are required to file financial reports on a quarterly basis, as well as two weeks before any primary, runoff, or general election in which they will be on the ballot and upon the termination of any campaign committees.[53] Click here to view the reporting schedule for candidates in this special election.
| Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District special election reporting schedule, 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Report | Close of books | Filing deadline |
| July quarterly | 6/30/2023 | 7/15/2023 |
| Pre-primary | 8/16/2023 | 8/24/2023 |
| October quarterly | 9/30/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Pre-general | 10/18/2023 | 10/26/2023 |
| Post-general | 11/27/2023 | 12/7/2023 |
| Year-end 2023 | 12/31/2023 | 1/31/2024 |
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabe Amo | Democratic Party | $1,278,758 | $923,129 | $355,629 | As of November 27, 2023 |
| Stephanie Beauté | Democratic Party | $26,157 | $26,157 | $0 | As of December 31, 2023 |
| Walter Berbrick | Democratic Party | $204,055 | $204,055 | $0 | As of October 13, 2023 |
| Sandra Cano | Democratic Party | $366,322 | $354,802 | $11,520 | As of December 31, 2024 |
| Don Carlson | Democratic Party | $1,039,277 | $1,039,277 | $0 | As of November 14, 2023 |
| Stephen Casey | Democratic Party | $105,835 | $79,854 | $25,981 | As of December 31, 2024 |
| Spencer Dickinson | Democratic Party | $34,200 | $15,623 | $29,577 | As of August 16, 2023 |
| John Goncalves | Democratic Party | $206,449 | $206,449 | $0 | As of September 29, 2023 |
| Sabina Matos | Democratic Party | $683,028 | $681,500 | $1,527 | As of December 31, 2024 |
| Ana Quezada | Democratic Party | $92,853 | $92,655 | $198 | As of December 1, 2023 |
| J. Aaron Regunberg | Democratic Party | $796,444 | $783,085 | $13,359 | As of December 31, 2024 |
| Allen Waters | Democratic Party | $9,118 | $7,765 | $1,353 | As of September 30, 2023 |
|
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2023. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
|||||
Satellite spending
- See also: Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[54][55]
If available, satellite spending reports by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and OpenSecrets.org are linked below. FEC links include totals from monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reports. OpenSecrets.org compiles data from those reports as well as 24- and 48-hour reports from the FEC.[56]
Details about satellite spending of significant amounts and/or reported by media are included below those links. The amounts listed may not represent the total satellite spending in the election. To notify us of additional satellite spending, email us.
| By candidate | By election |
|---|---|
Noteworthy events
State police and attorney general investigate Sabina Matos' campaign for alleged forged signatures
According to election officials in Newport, East Providence, and Jamestown, Matos' campaign allegedly submitted forged signatures when qualifying for the ballot. On July 19, 2023, Attorney General Peter Neronha's (D) office announced it would lead a criminal probe into the allegedly forged signatures. Rhode Island State Police also announced they would join the investigation.[37][57]
Matos' campaign said, "Our campaign provided clear instructions to circulators on how to correctly gather signatures. Anyone who violated these detailed instructions and the nomination process has no place in our campaign and will be held accountable."[37] On July 21, 2023, the Rhode Island Board of Elections voted 5-1 in favor of sending Matos' nomination papers to Neronha's office for investigation. Neronha said it was unlikely his office would review the nomination papers and would instead "do a criminal investigation and ... see where that takes us. That’s the scope of our authority and that is the authority we are going to exercise."[58] The board also determined Matos would appear on the primary ballot.[58]
Rhode Island's Board of Elections voted to review all of Matos' signatures on August 8, 2023. Matos' campaign said, "We too want to understand what transpired with our nomination papers and we look forward to hearing the results of this review."[59] Following an initial investigation, the board approved 726 signatures and disqualified 559. It disqualified the latter for reasons such as "not registered," "not eligible," and "signature mismatch."[60] The board continued the investigation after the primary election.[60]
In April 2024, Neronha's office charged signature gatherer Christopher Cotham with two felony counts of violating nomination papers and two misdemeanor counts of giving false documents to an agent. Cotham pleaded not guilty.[61] In May 2024, the state charged Holly McClaren, Matos' former campaign consultant, with two felony counts of violating nomination papers and two misdemeanor counts of giving false documents to an agent. McClaren pleaded not guilty.[62]
Election context
Ballot access requirements
In Rhode Island, all candidates must adhere to the same filing procedure, regardless of partisan affiliation. First, a candidate must file a declaration of candidacy. A candidate for statewide or federal office must submit this form to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Declarations of candidacy may be filed during the last consecutive Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in June of the election year.[63][64] Write-in candidates do not need to file special paperwork in order to have their votes tabulated. However, write-in candidates engaged in campaign activities may be required to comply with the state's campaign finance laws.[65][66]
A candidate for federal, statewide, or state legislative office must collect signatures on nomination papers, which are issued after the candidate submits his or her declaration of candidacy. Signature requirements are the same for political party candidates as they are for unaffiliated candidates. Signature requirements are summarized in the table below.[63][67][68]
| Nomination paper signature requirements | |
|---|---|
| Office | Signatures required |
| Governor, United States Senator | 1,000 |
| United States Representative, lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer, secretary of state | 500 |
| State senator | 100 |
| State representative | 50 |
Each sheet of a nomination paper can include only signatures from voters residing in the same city or town. Papers are due to the appropriate local board of canvassers by 4:00 PM on the 60th day preceding the primary.[63][69]
District history
2022
General election
General election for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
Incumbent David N. Cicilline defeated Allen Waters in the general election for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | David N. Cicilline (D) | 64.0 | 100,318 |
| Allen Waters (R) | 35.8 | 56,055 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 361 | ||
| Total votes: 156,734 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Jeffrey Lemire (Independent)
- Lenine Camacho (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
Incumbent David N. Cicilline advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on September 13, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | David N. Cicilline | 100.0 | 46,610 |
| Total votes: 46,610 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
Allen Waters advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on September 13, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Allen Waters | 100.0 | 6,975 |
| Total votes: 6,975 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
2020
General election
General election for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
Incumbent David N. Cicilline defeated Frederick Wysocki and Jeffrey Lemire in the general election for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | David N. Cicilline (D) | 70.8 | 158,550 |
 | Frederick Wysocki (Independent) | 15.8 | 35,457 | |
 | Jeffrey Lemire (Independent) | 12.6 | 28,300 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.7 | 1,553 | ||
| Total votes: 223,860 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
Incumbent David N. Cicilline advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on September 8, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | David N. Cicilline | 100.0 | 25,234 |
| Total votes: 25,234 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2018
General election
General election for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
Incumbent David N. Cicilline defeated Patrick Donovan in the general election for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | David N. Cicilline (D) | 66.7 | 116,099 |
| Patrick Donovan (R) | 33.1 | 57,567 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 417 | ||
| Total votes: 174,083 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Daniel Guilmette (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
Incumbent David N. Cicilline defeated Christopher Young in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on September 12, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | David N. Cicilline | 78.0 | 47,762 |
 | Christopher Young | 22.0 | 13,474 | |
| Total votes: 61,236 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Hamlet Lopez (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1
Patrick Donovan defeated Frederick Wysocki in the Republican primary for U.S. House Rhode Island District 1 on September 12, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Patrick Donovan | 78.3 | 7,574 | |
| Frederick Wysocki | 21.7 | 2,093 | |
| Total votes: 9,667 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Earlier results
To view the electoral history dating back to 2000 for the office of Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District, click [show] to expand the section. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2016Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent David Cicilline (D) defeated Russell Taub (R), Rufus Bailey Jr. (I), and Jeff Lemire (I) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Cicilline defeated Christopher Young in the Democratic primary on September 13, 2016.[70][71][72]
2014The 1st Congressional District of Rhode Island held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent David N. Cicilline (D) defeated Cormick Lynch (R) in the general election.
2012The 1st Congressional District of Rhode Island held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. Incumbent David N. Cicilline won re-election in the district.[73]
2010 On November 2, 2010, David Cicilline won election to the United States House. He defeated John J. Loughlin II (R), Kenneth A. Capalbo (I) and Gregory Raposa (I) in the general election.[74]
2008 On November 4, 2008, Patrick J. Kennedy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jonathan P. Scott (R), Kenneth A. Capalbo (I) and various write-in challengers in the general election.[75]
2006 On November 7, 2006, Patrick J. Kennedy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jonathan P. Scott (R) and Kenneth A. Capalbo (I) in the general election.[76]
2004 On November 2, 2004, Patrick J. Kennedy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated David W. Rogers (R) and a nonpartisan write-in challenger. in the general election.[77]
2002 On November 5, 2002, Patrick J. Kennedy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated David W. Rogers (R), Frank Carter (I) and various write-in challengers in the general election.[78]
2000 On November 7, 2000, Patrick J. Kennedy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Stephen Cabral (R) and various write-in challengers in the general election.[79]
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2023 battleground elections
- See also: Battlegrounds
This election was a battleground race. Other 2023 battleground elections included:
- Mississippi Public Service Commission election, 2023 (August 8 Northern District Republican primary)
- Seattle Public Schools, Washington, elections (2023)
- Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2023
See also
- Special elections to the 118th United States Congress (2023-2024)
- Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District special election, 2023
- Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District special election, 2023 (September 5 Republican primary)
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ CNN, "Rep. David Cicilline to resign from Congress June 1 to run foundation," February 21, 2023
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Office of the First Congressional District of Rhode Island to Remain Open to Serve and Assist Constituents," accessed August 15, 2023
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Boston Globe, "Cano and Amo pick up key endorsements in the R.I. congressional race," July 13, 2023
- ↑ The Cook Political Report, "Layers of Chaos in RI-01 Special Election's Democratic Primary," July 25, 2023
- ↑ WPRI, "From Pawtucket to Washington: RI native lands key White House job," January 26, 2023
- ↑ Twitter, "Gabe Amo," accessed August 16, 2023
- ↑ WPRI, "Congressional Black Caucus PAC backs Amo in race for Cicilline seat," July 13, 2023
- ↑ Sandra Cano for U.S. Congress, "Ballot Letter," accessed August 16, 2023
- ↑ LinkedIn, "Don Carlson," accessed August 14, 2023
- ↑ Don Carlson Democrat for Congress, "My Platform," accessed August 16, 2023
- ↑ The Boston Globe, "The latest political news in Rhode Island," August 14, 2023
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Go Local Prov News, "NEW: Carlson Drops Out of Congressional Race - Throws Support Behind Cano," August 27, 2023
- ↑ Sabina Matos United States Congress, "Home," accessed July 25, 2023
- ↑ WPRI, "Powerful Laborers union throws its weight behind Matos in race for Congress," July 14, 2023
- ↑ Emily's List, "EMILYs List Endorses Sabina Matos for Election to Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District," June 21, 2023
- ↑ LinkedIn, "Aaron Regunberg," accessed August 13, 2023
- ↑ Aaron Regunberg for Congress, "Dear Neighbor," accessed July 25, 2023
- ↑ WPRI, "High-profile progressive lawmakers Khanna, Schakowsky back Regunberg for Congress," July 11, 2023
- ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2020 presidential results by congressional district, for new and old districts," September 29, 2021
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 10 WJAR, "Candidates touch on inflation, student debt in 1st Congressional District primary debate," August 31, 2023
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 10 WJAR, "Democratic congressional candidates tackle Social Security, immigration in NBC 10 debate," September 1, 2023
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 'WPRI 12 News, "WATCH: RI Congressional Primary Debate," August 28, 2023
- ↑ The Boston Globe, "In R.I. congressional race, Amo internal poll puts him in second place behind Regunberg," August 24, 2023
- ↑ Providence Journal, "Despite some sniping, CD1 candidates mostly agree in debate at RIC," August 23, 2023
- ↑ The Providence Journal, "Where do Democrats in the CD1 Special Election stand on key issues? A complete guide," August 17, 2023
- ↑ The Boston Globe, "Recap: 1st Congressional District Democratic debate at RWU," August 17, 2023
- ↑ What's Up Newp, "Watch: A conversation with Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1 candidates," August 16, 2023
- ↑ Facebook, "Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island," August 16, 2023
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 The Providence Journal, "Matos, Regunberg play defense in Bartholomewtown podcast's special election debate," August 10, 2023
- ↑ Providence Business News, "1st Congressional District candidate forum puts focus on promoting equity for small businesses," August 9, 2023
- ↑ The Boston Globe, "Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support," August 7, 2023
- ↑ ABC6, "1st Congressional District candidates to participate in forum," August 7, 2023
- ↑ WPRI, "Who showed and who didn’t? CD1 candidates explain how they’ll tackle opioid epidemic," August 1, 2023
- ↑ The Providence Journal, "RI's Congressional candidates took part in first in-person forum Monday night. What they said." July 24, 2023
- ↑ YouTube, "Rhode Island 2023 1st Congressional District virtual forum (session one)," July 19, 2023
- ↑ YouTube, "Rhode Island 2023 1st Congressional District virtual forum (session two)," July 19, 2023
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 Daily Kos, "Morning Digest: GOP plan to sabotage Ohio abortion amendment failing in new poll," July 21, 2023
- ↑ WPRI, "Matos signature scandal spreads across RI; AG now ‘taking the lead’ on investigation," July 19, 2023
- ↑ What's Up Newp, "More than half of declared candidates for House District 1 apparently fail to acquire adequate signatures to run," July 16, 2023
- ↑ Rhode Island Current, "Ready, set, signatures: CD1 candidates turn in nomination forms to qualify for ballot," July 14, 2023
- ↑ ABC 6, "Democrats host meet-and-greet ahead of 1st Congressional District special election," July 13, 2023
- ↑ The Providence Journal, "Despite some sniping, CD1 candidates mostly agree in debate at RIC," August 22, 2023
- ↑ The Boston Globe, "Recap: 1st Congressional District Democratic debate at RWU," August 17, 2023
- ↑ Facebook, "Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island," August 16, 2023
- ↑ Providence Business News, "1st Congressional District candidate forum puts focus on promoting equity for small businesses," August 9, 2023
- ↑ The Boston Globe, "Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support," August 7, 2023
- ↑ ABC6, "1st Congressional District candidates to participate in forum," August 7, 2023
- ↑ WPRI, "Who showed and who didn’t? CD1 candidates explain how they’ll tackle opioid epidemic," August 1, 2023
- ↑ The Providence Journal, "RI's Congressional candidates took part in first in-person forum Monday night. What they said." July 24, 2023
- ↑ YouTube, "Rhode Island 2023 1st Congressional District virtual forum (session one)," July 19, 2023
- ↑ YouTube, "Rhode Island 2023 1st Congressional District virtual forum (session two)," July 19, 2023
- ↑ Fundraising by primary candidates can be found on the race's respective primary election page. Fundraising by general election candidates can be found on the race's general election page.
- ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Rhode Island special election reporting: 1st Congressional District (2023)," accessed July 24, 2023
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ Amee LaTour, Email correspondence with the Center for Responsive Politics, August 5, 2022
- ↑ WPRI, "Matos signature scandal spreads across RI; AG now ‘taking the lead’ on investigation," July 19, 2023
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 WPRI, "All Matos nomination papers referred to AG, but she will be on ballot," July 21, 2023
- ↑ Daily Kos, "Morning Digest: Collapse of Ohio's Issue 1 opens door wide for abortion rights," August 9, 2023
- ↑ 60.0 60.1 WPRI, "Elections board: Matos has enough valid signatures," August 15, 2023
- ↑ WPRI 12, "AG charges Matos campaign worker for falsifying nomination papers," April 8, 2024
- ↑ Rhode Island Current, "Former Matos campaign consultant faces criminal charges for alleged signature fraud," May 31, 2024
- ↑ 63.0 63.1 63.2 Rhode Island Secretary of State, "Rhode Island: How to Run for Office 2014," accessed March 26, 2014
- ↑ Rhode Island General Laws, "Title 17, Section 17-14-1," accessed March 26, 2014
- ↑ Rhode Island General Laws, "Title 17, Section 17-19-31," accessed March 26, 2014
- ↑ Rhode Island Board of Elections, "Procedures for Tabulating and Reporting Write-In Votes," accessed March 26, 2014
- ↑ Rhode Island General Laws, "Title 17, Section 17-14-7," accessed March 26, 2014
- ↑ Rhode Island General Laws, "Title 17, Section 17-14-4," accessed March 26, 2014
- ↑ Rhode Island General Laws, "Title 17, Section 17-14-11," accessed March 26, 2014
- ↑ Rhode Island Secretary of State, "Candidates for Representative," accessed June 30, 2016
- ↑ Politico, "Rhode Island House Primary Results," September 13, 2016
- ↑ CNN, "Election Results," accessed November 8, 2016
- ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, Rhode Island"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
