Regunberg Applied to Harvard Law in ‘16 While in Office, Deferred Before Lt. Governor Bid
Monday, April 09, 2018
Rhode Island State Representative and candidate for Lieutenant Governor Aaron Regunberg applied to Harvard Law School while serving in the Rhode Island General Assembly -- but said that President Donald Trump's victory in 2016 changed his mind about pursuing the advanced degree after being accepted.
Then, Regunberg declared his intention to run for Lt. Governor in the fall of 2017 for the 2018 election.
Regunberg, who graduated from Brown University, and started the Providence Student Union with the assistance of a fellowship program through Brown's Swearer Center, was first elected in 2014 to the General Assembly for District 4 -- former Speaker of the House Gordon Fox's seat, after Fox resigned and was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to bribery and fraud.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNow, Regunberg is challenging incumbent Lt. Governor Dan McKee in the Democratic primary.
Eyeing Move
"Two years ago -- in 2016 -- I was interested in exploring or pursuing how a law degree could be useful in elevating the progressive [interests] I was dedicated to," Regunberg told GoLocal. "In 2016 I applied [to Harvard Law School], and I was accepted. Then the 2016 Presidential election happened. So I thought it was important to put my time and energy into organizing and state politics and defending Rhode Island from Washington."
Regunberg said as he deferred starting in the fall of 2017, that he would be expected to start in the fall of 2018 -- but that would not be happening with this election season.
"I'm not starting in the fall of 2018. It's not something that I'm thinking about now," said Regunberg. "I had a time when I was excited what a law degree [could mean]. Back when I was thinking about law school, the decision was not to resign my [State Representative] seat. It was to continue my seat and continue the academic work."
"The current Lt. Governor pursued an advanced degree while in office," said Regunberg.
McKee, who was first elected in 2000 as Mayor of Cumberland, was re-elected to the position in 2002 -- but was defeated in 2004 in the Democratic primary by David Iwuc, who made McKee's absenteeism pursuing a higher degree a main campaign issue.
McKee then went on to win back his seat in 2006, serving as Mayor until he ran for -- and was elected -- Lt. Governor in 2014.
Related Articles
- Where is Regunberg on RI Progressive Democrats’ Opposition to Budget? UPDATED
- “This Fight Isn’t Over” - Regunberg on PUC Approving National Grid Rate Hike
- Rep. Regunberg Predicts a Big Day on Tuesday for Progressives in RI
- Rep. Regunberg Issues Statement on Election of Trump as President
- Guest MINDSETTER™ Regunberg: A Way Forward on Solitary Confinement Reform
- Aaron Regunberg: Race to the Top’s Bill of Goods
- Aaron Regunberg: Promising Step For Providence Schools—Finally
- NEW: Aaron Regunberg Announces Candidacy for Fox’s District 4 Seat
- Monday Night’s Community Discussion Features Vincent, Regunberg, and Fenton
- Moore: The Two Faces of Aaron Regunberg
- LIVE: Regunberg on Single-Payer Legislation & Addressing High Costs of Prescription Drugs
- Regunberg Introduces Legislation to Increase Access to State House
- NEW: Ajello, Tsiongas Endorse Aaron Regunberg for District 4 Seat
- Regunberg Talks About His Run for Lt. Governor’s Office on GoLocal LIVE
- “The System is Rigged” - Regunberg on “Public Power” Legislative Proposal for RI
- McKee Criticizes Elorza on Speed Cameras Following Regunberg Endorsement
- Elorza Flip-Flops, Backs Lt. Gov. Challenger Regunberg After Refusing to Support Ranglin-Vassell
- Regunberg on “Benny’s Bill,” Putting Ethics Filings Online, Protecting Dreamers, & More
- Regunberg’s Campaign Fundraising Email Pledges to “Turn New Mexico Blue”
- Three RI Environmental Groups Endorse Regunberg for Lt. Governor
- Regunberg Says National Grid Rate Hike Would Cause “Real Pain” for Rhode Islanders
