In a big surprise, Cicilline will leave Congress after 12 years
Special election will determine his replacement
By Will Collette
Earlier today the Rhode Island Foundation announced that they have selected me to lead their organization as its next President and CEO beginning June 1, 2023. At that time, I will be stepping down from elected office as a Member of the United States Congress.
Representing my constituents, friends, family, and neighbors in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District has been the honor of my life, and I would not have had this privilege to serve my community for more than a decade without your friendship, support, and continuous encouragement. For this, I am eternally thankful.
For the past twelve years the voters of Rhode Island placed their trust in me to be their voice in Washington, and each day I worked my hardest to live up to that serious responsibility. With your help, I have had the amazing fortune of waking up each day to do a job that I love — advocating for policies, priorities, and investments to bring meaningful progress and change to Rhode Island and our nation.
While I had not anticipated that my journey as a Member of the United States Congress would come to an end at this time, I am excited to begin this unexpected, extraordinary opportunity to build upon the work I have been leading since first taking elected office — breaking down barriers to expand access to economic stability, affordable health care and housing, and educational success for all Rhode Islanders.
It is with a humbling and overwhelming sense of appreciation that I share this news with you today and express my heartfelt thanks once again for your friendship and unwavering support over many years. I hope to remain in touch with you as I take on this new leadership role at the Rhode Island Foundation, and I look forward to many more years of working together.
While I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done to support me and my work, I want you to know that your friendship and generosity will forever remain a source of great inspiration to me.