Mayor Grebien says he’s not running for Cicilline’s seat

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — On U.S. Rep. David Cicilline’s last day in Congress, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said he’s not running to fill his seat.

“I am wholeheartedly committed to continuing the progress we are making in Pawtucket,” said Grebien. “I will not be a candidate in the special election.”

Grebien said there are a lot of “great things happening in Pawtucket” that he’s excited about and wants to continue working with the city council and school committee to complete these projects.

“I look forward to continuing the evolution in Pawtucket,” said the mayor.

Cicilline said in February that he was resigning from Congress to head the Rhode Island Foundation. He starts there June 1.

“I want to thank Congressman Cicilline for his years of dedicated service to Pawtucket and the entire district,” said Grebien. “I wish him well as he moves into this next phase of his career and [look] forward to working with him and 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, political newcomer Stephanie Beauté, former Gov. Gina Raimondo’s staffer, Nick Autiello, Mickeda Barnes, Republican-turned-Democrat Allen Waters, former Navy officer Walter Berbrick, Michael Adrian Tillinghast have filed to run for the seat.

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