Rhode Island House Majority Leader Joseph Shekarchi (D-Warwick) announced Thursday he’s seeking re-election to the House of Representatives and supporting Warwick City Council president Joe Solomon for the mayoral vacancy being created by Scott Avedisian’s move to be CEO of RIPTA.
“After giving it much thought and reflection, I will not be candidate in the Warwick mayoral election in 2018,” Shekarchi said in a statement. “It has been a great honor to serve my constituents in District 23 for the past six years, including the last two as the majority leader. I take this commitment very seriously and I believe there is much more to accomplish. I will humbly seek re-election to the House of Representatives in the fall.”
Shekarchi, a 55-year-old lawyer, once had a strong interest in becoming mayor of Warwick, although he declined to challenge Avedisian, a Republican, for that position.
Avedisian took office the mayor’s office in 2000 and became the subject of increasing rumors in recent years about moving to a different position. The change puts Warwick, Rhode Island’s second-largest city, in Democratic control in the midst of a statewide election.
With Shekarchi’s ascent to the second position in the House hierarchy making him a potential favorite to one day succeed House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, his decision to remain in the General Assembly does not come as a surprise.
“I will be Supporting Council President Solomon for mayor,” Shekarchi said. “He has been an advocate for the people of Warwick for over 17 years and will continue to be an effective leader as Mayor with his strong fiscal background.”
Sherkarchi moved up to become majority leader after Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell upset Majority Leader John DeSimone in a 2016 Providence state rep race.
“I would also like to praise the many accomplishments and fine record of Mayor Scott Avedisian,” Shekarchi said. “His thoughtful, pragmatic and bipartisan approach to governing is reflected in a long list of achievements on behalf of the City of Warwick. I wish him well in his new position with RIPTA and I know he will continue to contribute to our community and our state in the constructive way that has been the hallmark of his service.”
Shekarchi cut his teeth in Rhode Island politics by serving as Democratic presidential candidate Paul Tsongas’ state coordinator in 1992. He managed Gina Raimondo’s winning campaign for state treasurer in 2010, first won election to the House in 2012, and chaired Rhode Island Democrats’ coordinated campaign in 2014.