RI GOP Chair Powers Is Out

RI GOP Chair Powers Is Out

The Republican Party of Rhode Island announced Saturday night that Chairman Joe Powers is leaving as Chairman, effective January 15. The announcement offered few details.

He was elected to a second two-year term in March of 2025. 

The RI GOP said in a statement:

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Chairman Powers is stepping down due to the increased demands of his professional workload and an extensive travel schedule that no longer allows him to give the Chairmanship the full attention the position requires. The role of Chairman demands constant focus, and daily engagement especially moving into an election year, neither of which Chairman Powers can provide at this time.

During his tenure, Chairman Powers oversaw meaningful organizational progress, including the successful update of the Party’s ByLaws and the full staffing of Party committees for the first time in over 20 years, establishing a strong and durable foundation heading into the next election cycle.

Chairman Powers will remain on the State Central Committee serving as Chairman Emeritus and will continue to actively serve and support Rhode Island Republicans in a smaller capacity.

The Republican Party of Rhode Island thanks Chairman Powers for his leadership and service and looks ahead with confidence to the election year ahead.

 

Powers did not comment, and no replacement was announced. He has been the party's chair since 2023.