R.I. Democrats swept the midterm election
While the polls were still be counted and finalized, the Garden room at the Biltmore Hotel in Providence filled up at the Democrat Election Results Party.
Roger William University award-winning HawkTheVote Media Lab broadcasted the events on WQRI 88.3 FM and on a UStream account. Multiple students for the lab were in the field talking to attendees and candidates.
As the room filled with hundreds of buzzing conversations, results rolled in throughout the night. Cheering and applause filled the room when it was announced that Senator Sheldon Whitehouse was re-elected with a win by 61.4 percent.
In an interview with RWU junior journalism major Megan Willgoos, Whitehouse defined what his beginning plans are in his next term.“Protect healthcare, new infrastructure, fix student loan debt, and good climate build to defend our shorelines,” he listed.
Shortly after, it was confirmed that David Cicilline and James Langevin won for representatives in Congress by 66.6 percent and 63.4 percent, respectively.
Gina Raimondo was re-elected to serve another term as the governor of Rhode Island. During her speech, she gave an inspiring sentiment.
“To all the little girls out there in Rhode Island,” she said, “you can be anything you want if you work hard. Keep breaking those glass ceilings.”
When asked what her next steps were as she began her second term, she gave three main issues on her radar along with plans regarding climate change.
“Rebuild schools, expand public Pre-K, and expand job training,” she said. When discussing climate change, her plans are to continue what they’ve started with a greater focus on their climate transportation initiative.
“Deepwater Wind is a game changer,” she said. “So, [there will be] a huge focus on making sure [they] expand.”
Daniel McKee was elected lieutenant governor by 61.8 percent. Nellie Gorbea was re-elected as the Secretary of State, winning by 67.3 percent. Peter Neronha was elected as the Attorney General, winning by 79.8 percent. Seth Magaziner was elected General Treasurer, winning by 64.9 percent.
The elections are now over, and it’s straight to work for the elected candidates as they begin their roles in serving the people of the Ocean State.
