Rhode Island Politicians Report Impressive Campaign Fund Balances

The race for campaign funds is heating up in Rhode Island as the state’s top politicians gear up for the upcoming election. Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives K. Joseph Shekarchi, D-Warwick, leads the pack with an impressive campaign fund balance of nearly $2.5 million. Other top legislators, including House Finance Chair Marvin Abney and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, also reported substantial fund balances in the first quarter of 2024.

Campaign finance reports filed on April 30 revealed the financial standings of various elected officials in the state. Governor Dan McKee reported a fund balance of $251,182, while Lt. Governor Sabina Matos had $14,688 in her campaign account. Attorney General Peter Nerhona, Secretary of State Greg Amore, and General Treasurer James Diossa also reported healthy fund balances.

Local elected officials, on the other hand, generally have more modest campaign accounts. Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong stands out in the Newport area with a campaign fund balance of $42,890. The funds raised by these officials can only be used for campaign-related expenses, donated to other campaigns or charities, or returned to donors.

As the election season approaches, candidates will continue to ramp up their fundraising efforts to secure the necessary resources for their campaigns. With millions of dollars in campaign funds at stake, the competition is fierce among Rhode Island’s political leaders. Stay tuned for more updates as the election draws near.