Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner (D) announced on Wednesday that he is running for Congress to keep the state’s 2nd Congressional District out of Republican hands after Rep. James Langevin (D-R.I.) announced he would not run for reelection.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to enter the race for Congress in Rhode Island’s Second District. The fight to preserve democracy is the most sacred obligation of our generation,” Magaziner, who was previously running for governor, said in a tweet on Wednesday.
“I do not make this decision lightly. I will forever be proud of the campaign for Governor that we built, and grateful to the thousands of people who supported us in that endeavor,” he added. “But I cannot stand by and allow the possibility that Rhode Island might elect a Republican to Congress in this of all years.”
Magaziner’s announcement comes roughly a week after Langevin announced he would not run again for his position.
The Providence Journal reported that Magaziner first indicated his interest in running for Congress last week in talks with supporters, as Democratic leaders in Washington began a stronger push for a formidable candidate to replace Langevin.
In his statement announcing his candidacy, the 38-year-old treasurer also referenced former President Trump and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who he said “seek to divide America, undermine democracy, and appeal to the most chaotic, hateful and dangerous elements of their party.”
“Rhode Island must do our part to ensure that they do not succeed,” he added.
Magaziner’s decision also shakes up the gubernatorial race, in which Gov. Dan McKee (D) faces a number of primary challengers, including Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, former CVS executive Helena Foulkes and former state Secretary of State Matt Brown.