Democrat Gabe Amo becomes Rhode Island's first Black candidate elected to Congress

Democrat Gabe Amo defeated Republican Gerry Leonard to win Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District seat Tuesday, becoming the state’s first Black candidate elected to Congress.

Amo, the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants who once worked as a White House aide, succeeds former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who stepped down this summer to become president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Moments after the race was called, Amo said he was grateful to be able to serve the district and state he loves.

“Undoubtedly, I’m humbled by the real momentous opportunity to serve as the first person of color,” Amo told The Associated Press before walking out to address his supporters. “But I didn’t run to make history.”

Amo, 35, said he sees himself as part of a long line of advocates who came before him, whether they were people of color or those fighting for the rights of woman or the working class.

“For Rhode Island, it’s been interesting to have an immigrant story that everyone can relate to,” he said.

Amo said one of his top priorities on arriving in Washington will be to help ensure that the federal government begins to function again.

He said he will also work to fight gun violence and protect Social Security and Medicare.

“I’m going to be a voice for making sure we can restore confidence and trust despite the Republican Party that is rife with chaos,” he said.

Amo, who grew up in Pawtucket, emerged victorious from a crowded Democratic field in the September primary, claiming more than 32% of the vote.

He served in the Obama and Biden administrations, most recently as the deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. He also served at one point in the administration of then-Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo.

Amo went to Wheaton College and studied public policy at Oxford University, and he has said he was inspired by his parents' drive. His mother studied nursing and his father opened a liquor store in part so he could be his own boss.

“Just because my parents were born in two different West African countries, (it) doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit that narrative of how Rhode Island has been a haven for so many people from so many different places to thrive and build their families,” Amo said after his primary win.

During the primary, Amo won the endorsement of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who represented the district from 1995 to 2011.

Amo has said he will work to legalize abortion nationwide again and support legislation to combat climate change. He said he will also push to ban assault-style firearms, support research into gun violence prevention at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and implement universal background checks.

His win marks an ongoing transition away from the state’s Italian American political hierarchy, which was embodied by the late Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, Providence’s charismatic longtime mayor who went to prison for corruption.

“I certainly believe I am part of a generational shift that has been underway before me,” Amo said.

Amo defeated Leonard, a U.S. Marine veteran who won the two-candidate GOP primary.

Leonard was gracious in defeat.

“You don’t go into any fight thinking you are going to lose. We approached this absolutely like this was an opportunity,” Leonard said of the election. “My opponent ran a great campaign. I called him early tonight and wished him the best. I hope he makes a great congressman.”

The Republican had criticized “Bidenomics,” saying Biden’s economic plan hasn’t helped ordinary citizens. He also said he supports U.S. efforts to aid Ukraine in its war against Russia.

The last Republican to represent the 1st Congressional District was Ron Machtley, who served from 1989-1995.