U.S. Marine Corps veteran Gerry Leonard won the Republican nomination for the vacant seat in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, The Associated Press projects.
Leonard faces a tough race in November against former White House aide Gabe Amo (D). In the 2022 general election for the seat, Democrat David Cicilline beat his Republican opponent by more than 25 percentage points.
Leonard served for 30 years in the Marines and was deployed in combat tours in Kuwait and Iraq, among others, according to his campaign website. He received military decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.
After retirement in 2019, he joined a Rhode Island-based firm “to develop and grow its federal construction portfolio” but stepped down to run for the congressional seat.
“As the father of four adult children, Gerry understands the terrific challenges Rhode Islanders face in raising their children, protecting their families, paying their bills, and saving for their futures,” his website reads.