PROVIDENCE – Senate Minority Whip Jessica de la Cruz, a Republican who represents District 23 in Burrillville, Glocester and North Smithfield, officially dropped out of the race for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional seat this week, endorsing former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung.
“I believe that Mayor Fung now represents the best chance for Rhode Island to send a Republican to Congress,” de la Cruz said Thursday. “He has my full endorsement.”
A North Smithfield resident serving her second term in the district, de la Cruz had announced in March her intent to campaign for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin, who has said he does not intend to seek reelection. Langevin, a Democrat, has held the seat since 2001.
“While I was encouraged by the strong grassroots support my campaign received, right now, the best place for me to fight for Rhode Islanders is in the State Senate,” she said. “I will continue to work at the state level to get Rhode Island back on the right track by working to grow the Republican caucus in the state Senate and developing candidates around the state to bring a common sense and pro-taxpayer agenda to Smith Hill.”
On the Republican side for the congressional seat, former state Rep. Robert Lancia also remains in the race.
Fung, who has twice lost bids for state governor, has reportedly raised more than a half million dollars for his campaign in 2022. He thanked de la Cruz for the support this week, noting, “The two of us will work very hard together to elect more Republicans not only in the General Assembly, but in local races across the board. I’m very much looking forward to working together with Rhode Islanders of every party to bring common sense solutions to DC and tackle some of our biggest challenges when I’m in Congress.”
LOL at Fung “when I’m in Congress”. When’s your tour Allan? That’s the only way you’ll get to Capitol Hill. Rhode Island has already said “no thanks” to you twice…can’t you take a hint?