6 District 1 candidates tell why they are running COMMUNITY

Jewish Rhode Island Staff

To help our readers make a decision in the upcoming special election to fill the open seat in Congressional District 1, Jewish Rhode Island reached out to all the candidates and asked for a 150-word statement answering the question, “Why are you running for Congress?”

The six candidates who responded are all Democrats. Here are their replies:

Gabe Amo

My name is Gabe Amo, and I am running for Congress because Rhode Islanders deserve a congressperson who can be effective from day one.

I am a Pawtucket native and the son of two West African immigrants. I have had the chance to lead at the heights of government to solve problems in the State House for former Governor Raimondo, and in the White House for Presidents Biden and Obama.

Most recently, I served as Special Assistant to President Biden for Intergovernmental Affairs. I coordinated crisis responses, from mass shootings to extreme weather. I helped communities access funds from President Biden’s historic agenda for infrastructure, climate resilience, and violence prevention.

I want to put my experience to work for Rhode Island to protect Social Security and Medicare, pass common sense gun safety laws, defend reproductive rights, and preserve our democracy. I would be honored to earn your support.

Stephanie Beauté

Stephanie is a tech professional with a vision for fixing the small business failures that have plagued Rhode Island for over two decades. Her background and dedication to environmental sustainability make her the ideal candidate to work on legislation for a clean blue economy to combat the climate crisis.

Stephanie’s experience as a former social worker for individuals with disabilities has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by some of our most vulnerable. She is committed to advocating for policies that will improve their lives and make our society more just and equitable. As a single working mom, she understands how hard it is for families to get by while politicians play the game of rhetoric.

Our opportunity to make history has come by sending Stephanie to Congress. It’s time to stop promoting politicians and start electing candidates like Stephanie, who can truly understand and represent the needs of Rhode Island’s communities.

Walter Berbrick

As a husband, father, veteran, teacher, and Red Cross volunteer, I can no longer watch failed leadership in Washington undermine the very freedoms and democracy I’ve spent the last two decades defending.

We are at a defining moment in our nation’s history. Our economy isn’t working for working families. Women have lost their fundamental right to choose. Our kids and communities are getting gunned down. Our planet is in peril. And we’re one bad decision away from fighting another prevent- able war. This election provides us an opportunity to change that.

I decided to resign from 15 years of federal service to run for Congress, without a paycheck or political connections, because I fundamentally believe I have an obligation to continue serving and fighting for this country and community I love. It would be my greatest honor to earn your vote and to represent you and your family in Washington.

Sandra Cano

I’m running for Congress because we need to heal the deep division in our country and return to a government that works for the people.

As a working mother of two small children, I worry about the future we’re leaving them. Our democracy is more fragile than ever: voting rights, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and social safety nets like Medicare and Social Security are under attack. The issues we face are deeply personal to me: rampant gun violence, educational inequities, healthcare injustice, and more. The climate crisis and chaotic weather patterns are threatening our coastline, economy, and public health. Inflation and stagnant wages impact working families like mine – leaving folks to choose between paying their bills or feeding their families.

We have a Congress that no longer talks to each other – and we’re the ones who suffer. It's going to take one of us to make a difference for all of us.

Don Carlson

To put it simply, I love Rhode Island. I’m a product of Warwick Public Schools and firmly believe my formative years scooping ice cream at Newport Creamery and hiking at Camp Yawgoog helped shape me into the man I am today.

Through my time talking to folks across the district, I know voters have some big issues with the way our government has been run. I’m ready to change that and be a representative Rhode Islanders can be proud of.

My unique experiences in business, education, and government set me apart. As a clean energy investor, I’ve helped develop green-energy technologies that address the climate crisis. I’m the only candidate who’s worked in the House of Representatives for two different members of Congress. I understand what it takes to succeed on day one and fight the extreme agenda of MAGA Republicans. To learn more about my campaign, visit Carlsonforrhodeisland.com.

John Goncalves

As a teacher who was born and raised in Providence by my immigrant single mother, I understand what it’s like to struggle in this economy – but I also know how to get things done. On the Providence City Council, I successfully fought against tax increases that would have hurt working families, and helped bring millions of dollars in investment to our district to improve housing, schools, libraries, and parks.

In Congress, I’ll continue that work by fighting to cut inflation, lower healthcare costs, and pass the Green New Deal. I’ll also fight for better funding for our schools and gun control reform that keeps our kids safe.

I’ll work with President Biden to improve America’s reputation abroad, and I’ll reaffirm our support for a two-state solution, because the United States is stronger when it works alongside Israel to promote security, democracy, personal liberty, and the rule of law.

There are many ways to get information on the candidates who are running to replace former U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, including a candidates’ forum on Aug. 15, at 5:30 p.m., at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with each candidate’s positions, make an informed choice and vote in the primary on Sept. 5. At presstime, there are 12 Democrats and 2 Republicans running. Jewish Rhode Island does not endorse political candidates.