Democratic Rep. Cicilline to step down from the House

Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) announced Tuesday that he would leave Congress later this year to lead the nonprofit Rhode Island Foundation following a failed bid to join the leadership of the House Democratic conference.

Cicilline, who was re-elected Nov. 8 to a seventh term ​with 64% of the vote, said in a statement that serving the people of the Ocean State’s 1st Congressional District “has been the honor of my lifetime.”​​

“As President and CEO of one of the largest and oldest community foundations in the nation, I look forward to expanding on the work I have led for nearly thirty years in helping to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders​,” said Cicilline, 61. 

Cicilline, who is openly gay, unsuccessfully challenged Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) for the fourth-ranking House Democratic leadership leadership position in November, arguing at the time that the party should “fully respect the diversity of our caucus and the American people by including an LGBTQ+ member at the leadership table.” 

Members of the congressman’s staff will continue to operate offices in Rhode Island and Washington until a new representative is elected for the safely Democratic district, which covers most of the city of Providence as well as Bristol and Newport counties.

Democratic Gov. Dan McKee is expected to call a special election to fill the seat once Cicilline leaves office.

Cicilline, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, noted in the statement that the Rhode Island Foundation opportunity “was unexpected, but it is an extraordinary opportunity to have an even more direct and meaningful impact on the lives of residents of our state​.”

In his new job, Cicilline said, he intends to continue working “to ensure all Rhode Islanders can achieve economic security, access quality, affordable healthcare, and attain the education and training that will set them on a path to prosperity.​”

Cicilline ​served as a manager of former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The foundation said in a statement that it selected Cicilline after a nationwide search. 

“David’s skills and values fit perfectly with those of the Rhode Island Foundation — he is committed to meeting the needs of all Rhode Islanders and has been throughout his public-service career,” said Dr. G. Alan Kurose, chair of the foundation’s board of directors.