Gabe Amo takes home historic CD1 special election win

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Democratic candidate Gabe Amo won the special election in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District on Tuesday.

According to the Associated Press, with roughly 83% of votes counted, Amo pulled in 63.1% of the votes Tuesday, while Republican candidate Gerry Leonard took in 36.9% of votes.

Amo will now replace former Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline, making him the first Black congressman for the state of Rhode Island.

In response to Amo’s win, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse released a statement, which reads, “I could not be happier for Gabe and his family tonight. It’s a historic and hopeful victory, and a reminder that beautiful moments can still happen in American politics. It’s a win for every child of immigrants, for the Black community, and for a new generation of Rhode Islanders. I’ve known Congressman-elect Amo since he worked on my ’06 campaign, and I am certain he will make the Ocean State proud as a member of our delegation.”

Rep. Seth Magaziner also released a statement following Amo’s win in the 1st Congressional District special election, which reads, “Congratulations to Gabe Amo on his hard-fought victory. I look forward to working with Gabe in the House of Representatives to deliver for Rhode Islanders, and have no doubt he will hit the ground running.”