Leadership has its benefits – at least when it comes to campaign finances in Rhode Island. Just ask Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives K. Joseph Shekarchi, D-Warwick, who reported on April 30 that his campaign fund had raised over $200,000 in the first quarter of 2024, leaving a fund balance of nearly $2.5 million.
Shekarchi, like every other state legislator, is up for election this year.
The campaign finance reports that were due April 30 for the first quarter that ended March 31 are the last before candidates must file for election, the last week in June.
It’s not unusual for the speaker to lead the fundraising race. Other legislators also have robust fund accounts, the most impressive among top leadership, including House Finance Chair Marvin Abney, D-Newport, who reported a fund balance of $241,183.
With very few exceptions, local elected officials have modest campaign accounts. In the Newport area, the one exception is Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong, who reported a campaign fund balance of $42,890.
Campaign funds can only be used for an individual’s campaign, given to another campaign, donated to charity, or returned to donors. Campaign funds cannot be used for personal expenses.
Here’s a look at what some of the top politicians are reporting for the first quarter ended March 31. The amounts are the totals in their campaign funds at the end of the first quarter.
GENERAL OFFICERS
Gov. Dan McKee $251,182
Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos $14,688
Attorney General Peter Nerhona $69,916
Secretary of State Greg Amore $73,738
General Treasurer James Diossa $82,321
HOUSE LEADERSHIP AND AREA LEGISLATORS
Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, D-Warwick $2,478,901
Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski, D- Providence $273,385
Minority Leader Michael Chippendale, R-Foster, Glocester, Coventry $12,748
John Edwards, D-Tiverton $81,818
Michelle McGaw, D-Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton $21,420
Terri-Denise Cortvriend, D-Middletown, Portsmouth $24,467
Marvin Abney, D-Middletown, Newport (House finance chair) $241,183
Alex Finkelman- D-Jamestown, Middletown $38,774
Lauren Carson, D-Newport $33,214
SENATE LEADERSHIP AND ARE LEGISLATORS
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, D-No. Providence, Providence $166,445
Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, D-Cumberland, Lincoln $144,174
Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz, R- No. Smfd., Burrillville, Glocester $46,640
Walter Felag, D-Tiverton, Warren $61,340
Linda Ujifusa, D-Bristol, Portsmouth $5,896
Louis DiPalma, D-Little Compton, Middletown (Senate finance chair) $58,705Dawn Euer, D- Newport, Jamestown $52,715
