Clean Water Action Endorsees Make Gains in Primary Election

Providence, RI--After one of the strongest environmental legislative sessions in Rhode Island history, primary night saw even more environmental champions endorsed by Clean Water Action win their races.

 

“Congratulations to all of our Clean Water Action endorsees who won their primary races and to every endorsee who ran. Tonight’s results mean that even more environmental champions are on their way to joining an already strong General Assembly. Rhode Island voters can expect to see a great slate of candidates on their general election ballots this November 8th who will support fighting the climate crisis, real solutions to tackle plastic waste, and action on toxins like PFAS,” said Jed Thorp, Rhode Island Clean Water Action’s state director.

 

Highlights of the night included the primary victory of Speaker Joe Shekarchi who presided over the impressive 2022 legislative session. “Speaker Shekarchi got our priority bills over the finish line and stopped the dangerous plastic burning bill in its tracks. We look forward to working with him again in 2023,” noted Thorp.

 

Additionally, in House District 22, Clean Water Action endorsee Joe Solomon won his race with the support of the Clean Water Action Providence field canvass, and in Senate District 14, Clean Water endorsee Valarie Lawson won with support from Clean Water Action and allied phone bankers. Other notable wins for Clean Water Action endorsees included Brandon Potter (HD16), Brandon Voas (HD57), Cherie Cruz (HD58), Matthew Dawson (HD65), Sam Bell (SD5), Jen Rourke (SD29), Pam Lauria (SD32), and Victoria Gu (SD38). 

 

In the gubernatorial race, Clean Water Action endorsee Nellie Gorbea did not win her primary challenge to incumbent Dan McKee, but the slate of challengers garnered a majority of votes. “Voters sent a message to Governor McKee that they want to see proactive climate leadership from the governor's office. We know that we can work with Governor McKee to implement a strong plan to take Rhode Island to a renewable energy future, and we intend to make sure he continues to hear from our members,” stated Thorp.

 

The general election is on November 8th. Clean Water Action will be announcing additional general election endorsements in the coming weeks. 

 

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