Senate Majority Leader McCaffrey Will Not Seek Reelection
Monday, June 27, 2022
The leadership of the RI State Senate is poised to look very different in 2023.
GoLocal has learned that Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey will not seek reelection.
McCaffrey’s race for reelection took on an almost national profile after his Democratic primary opponent Jennifer Rourke was punched in the face Friday night at the Rhode Island State House by Jeann Lugo, a Providence police officer and GOP candidate for the same seat.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRourke filed a complaint with the Rhode Island State Police and by Saturday afternoon, Lugo had been suspended by the Providence police and arranged on assault charges.
The decision by McCaffrey shakes up leadership dramatically.
McCaffrey, a lawyer in private practice. He was first elected to the Rhode Island Senate in 1994. He served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary from 2003 until 2017 when he was elected Majority Leader.
Battle for the Majority Leader’s Spot
Now, there is a potential battle for the number two position with McCaffrey’s departure.
First, Senate Whip Maryellen Goodwin could claim the position. She represents District 1 (Providence). She is third in the leadership.
Or Hanna M. Gallo who represents District 27 (Cranston, West Warwick) could make a bid. Gallo was first elected to the Senate in November 1998. She was elected Senate President Pro Tempore by her Senate colleagues on Jan. 5, 2021, which requires her to preside over the Senate in the absence of the president.
Then there is progressive Josh Miller, a progressive Democrat who represents District 28 (Cranston, Providence)
Others are Dawn Euer of Newport, but with Cynthia Armour Coyne announcing she will not seek reelection, Euer is the leading candidate for the Senate Judiciary Chair.
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