Leadership has advantages, at least when it comes to campaign finance in Rhode Island. Just ask Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat. He reported on April 30 that his campaign fund raised more than $200,000 in the first quarter of 2024, bringing his fund balance to nearly $2.5 million.
Shekarchi, like other state legislators, is running for election this year.
Campaign finance reports for the first quarter ending March 31 are scheduled to be filed on April 30, the last before candidates have to file for election, the last week of June.
It's not uncommon for speakers to be at the forefront of fundraising races. Other members of Congress also have solid fund accounts, most impressive among top leaders, including House Finance Chairman Marvin Abney (D-Newport), who reported a fund balance of $241,183.
With very few exceptions, accounts of the campaign activities of local elected officials are modest. In the Newport area, the only exception is Newport Mayor Zai Kamsiboravong, who reported a campaign balance of $42,890.
Campaign funds may only be used to support your personal campaign, donate to another campaign, donate to a charity, or be returned to the donor. Campaign funds may not be used for personal expenses.
Here's a look at what some top politicians are reporting for the first quarter ended March 31st. The amount is the total amount of campaign funds as of the end of the first quarter.
board member
Governor Dan McKee $251,182
Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos $14,688
Attorney General Peter Neljona $69,916
Secretary of State Greg Amoah $73,738
Treasurer James Diossa $82,321
House leadership and local representatives
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, D-Warwick $2,478,901
Majority Leader Christopher Blazezewski, Democrat, Providence $273,385
Minority Leader Michael Chippendale, Republican Foster, Gloucester, Coventry $12,748
John Edwards, Democrat Tiverton $81,818
Michelle McGaugh, D-Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton $21,420.
Terri-Denise Cortvriend, D-Middletown, Portsmouth $24,467
Marvin Abney, D-Middletown, Newport (House Finance Committee Chairman) $241,183;
Alex Finkelman – D-Jamestown, Middletown $38,774
Lauren Carson, Democrat Newport $33,214
Senate leadership and members
Senate President Dominic Ruggerio, Democratic No. 1, Providence, Providence $166,445
Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, D-Cumberland, Lincoln $144,174
Minority Leader Jessica De La Cruz, R- No. Smfd., Gloucester, Burrill Building $46,640
Walter Ferrag, D-Tiverton, Warren $61,340.
Linda Ujifusa, D-Bristol, Portsmouth $5,896
Luis DiPalma, Democrat-Little Compton, Middletown (Senate Finance Chair) $58,705 Dawn Oyer, Democrat-Newport, Jamestown $52,715
