Former White House staffer jumps into race to replace Cicilline

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A former staffer for Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama is now looking to take over Rep. David Cicilline’s 1st Congressional District seat.

“We all appreciate David Cicilline’s service and with him stepping down from Congress, I know that the people need a representative who has the experience to get things done,” said Gabe Amo, who’s from Pawtucket.

Locally, Amo has worked for former Gov. Gina Raimondo and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

“I know this great community and I also know how government works,” he said. “I want to put that experience to work for all of us in the 1st District.”

He went on to say that he understands there’s so much at stake and that’s why he left the White House to “to fight for the people of the 1st Congressional District.”

“Our people need a representative who will deliver for them on day one,” he said.

The seat opened after Cicilline said in February he was resigning from Congress this summer to serve as the new president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

So far, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, state Sen. Sandra Cano, state Sen. Ana Quezada, state Rep. Marvin Abney, state Rep. Nathan Biah, state Rep. Stephen Casey, former state Rep. Aaron Regunberg, Providence City Councilor John Goncalves, first time political candidate Don Carlson, former Gov. Gina Raimondo’s staffer, Nick Autiello, and Republican-turned-Democrat Allen Waters have filed to run for the seat.

The primary election will be held on Sept. 5 and the general election is on Nov. 7.