Will Gabe Amo Make History as Rhode Island’s First Black Congressman? 🇺🇸

• damiadeniyi
• November 7, 2023
• BlackinPolitics, News
• 0 Comments

Rhode Island voters stand on the cusp of choosing their first Black representative to Congress in a highly competitive race for the 1st Congressional District seat for a special general election on November 7, 2023. Democrat Gabe Amo and Republican Gerry Leonard are engaged in a spirited contest for this position, a potential turning point in the state’s political narrative.

Gabe Amo, a 35-year-old Democrat, hails from immigrant roots, with his parents originating from Ghana and Liberia. His diverse heritage and his past role as a White House aide have contributed to his appeal, securing him over 32% of the vote in the Democratic primary. Amo’s family background, where his mother pursued a career in nursing and his father ventured into entrepreneurship by owning a liquor store, have been a source of inspiration for his journey into politics.

Amo’s campaign is laser-focused on countering what he views as “extremist” Republican efforts to reduce funding for Social Security and Medicare. He also champions legislation aimed at addressing climate change and advocating for gun control, including a ban on assault-style firearms. His extensive experience in public policy and service in both the Obama and Biden administrations make him a compelling candidate.

On the Republican front, Gerry Leonard, a Marine veteran, aspires to secure the district for his party in a predominantly Democratic state, with the last Republican representative being Ron Machtley in the 1990s.

Leonard’s campaign centers on the principles of limited government and criticism of “Bidenomics.” He believes that individuals are better equipped to manage their lives than bureaucrats and career politicians. Additionally, he emphasizes the necessity of clear objectives and an exit strategy in U.S. involvement in supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Leonard’s stance on abortion aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision, which granted more authority to states in regulating abortion.

The upcoming election in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District is a momentous event, signifying the potential historic victory of Gabe Amo as the first Black representative from the state. This outcome could also signal a shift away from the longstanding dominance of the Italian-American political establishment in Rhode Island.