Race for R.I. Governor 2022 kicks off as candidates announce their run for office

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The race for the next Governor of Rhode Island is already kicking off after Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea announces her run for the 2022 election.

Gorbea was first elected into office in 2014 and has served as the Secretary of State for 6 and a half years. She joins the race as a Democrat and the first Latina in New England to run in a gubernatorial race.

She’s one of multiple candidates expected to run and the second to formally announce her stakes in the race. Dr. Luis Daniel Munoz, who ran as an independent in 2018, has also formally announced his candidacy as a Democrat.

While Governor Dan McKee has not yet formally announced his plans for re-election, he told ABC 6 News at a ribbon cutting event at the Port of Davisville that he plans to run.

“Right now we’re going to focus on the stuff we’re working on, but understanding that that’s coming,” Governor McKee said. “We’re only a few months away from many announcements, including mine.”

General Treasurer Seth Maganizer and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza are also expected to run for Governor in 2022 and have been raising campaign funds.

“Right now, whoever formally announces, like if there’s a formal announcement from the Secretary, she’s in campaign mode,” Governor McKee said. “I don’t want to be in campaign mode, I want to be working for the people in the state of Rhode Island right now and putting that effort in until the time is right to open it up in another way.”

The Governor says he has a good working relationship with Secretary of State Gorbea and that it will continue into the campaign season.

“We’ll focus on the work in the office, but we also know the Primaries and General Election is coming and the state of Rhode Island will decide who is best equipped to lead the state out of the pandemic and into the future.”

ABC 6 News did reach out to Secretary of State Gorbea’s campaign team for comment, but did not yet hear back.