Sources name Raimondo as frontrunner for health secretary

(WLNE)- Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is the frontrunner for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for the incoming Biden administration, according to an article published by Politico on Wednesday.

The article cites two unnamed sources “close to the transition,” and states that a decision is expected from the Biden team early next week.

According to the article, Raimondo eclipsed New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who had turned down an offer to head the Interior Department in hopes of holding out for the position.

This move was said to have hurt Grisham’s chances, according to a source the article describes as “close to the transtition.”

Raimondo had previously been considered as president-elect Joe Biden’s running mate.

Then, as now, Raimondo’s record is likely to draw scrutiny from progressives and left-leaning Democrats. The article cites her previous work in venture capital, opposition to “Medicare for All”, and previous battles over pension cuts for state workers.

But Raimondo has also received high marks from her handling of the coronavirus pandemic, both from constituents and the broader media landscape, such as a widely cited article in Fortune.

ABC6 News has reached out to the governor’s office for comment, but have not yet received a response.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020