Rhode Island Congressman-elect Gabe Amo expected to be sworn in Monday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Congressman-elect Gabe Amo is expected to be sworn in to represent Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District on Monday.

Amo defeated Republican Gerry Leonard in the special election to fill former Rep. David Cicilline’s seat.

He told ABC 6 News after his win that his first priority is to prevent a government shutdown.

“We cannot have dysfunctional government in Washington, that is not what voters need, not what any Rhode Islanders deserve, and so we’re going to do that first and then I’m going to work really hard to see how I can address some of the critical priorities through the federal resources of the Biden-Harris administration,” he said.

He said he plans to protect Social Security and Medicare, and fight critical issues plaguing the country like gun violence.

Amo grew up in Pawtucket and is a son of African immigrants.

He said being elected was a “full circle” experience, having helped his mother study for her citizenship test at 8-years-old.

Amo is Rhode Island’s first Black representative in Congress.

“I am honored at being historic, but I’m more honored at having the opportunity to impact people’s lives for the good,” he said.

Amo worked as a White House aide under the Obama and Biden administrations.

Amo is expected to be sworn in during the 6:30 p.m. vote series on the House Floor.