PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island House Republicans unanimously elected Michael Chippendale of Foster as House Minority Leader, and David Place of Burrillville as Minority Whip, to continue in their caucus leadership roles.
“The House Minority Caucus has grown, and I’m grateful to Rhode Islanders for making that possible,” said Chippendale, who represents District 40 in Foster, Glocester and Coventry. “With a looming budget deficit near half a billion dollars, and federal funds exhausted, it’s time for the House to focus on sustainable budgeting. We must reduce spending, streamline our state budget – one of the largest per capita in the country – and seek efficient solutions, not temporary fixes. Now is the time for real, lasting change.”
A release on the re-appointed leaders notes that the pair will help drive meaningful legislative reform and policy discussions at the State House.
“It’s a great responsibility and honor to be re-elected as Whip by my peers in the Republican House caucus,” said Place, of District 47 in Burrillville and Glocester. “I look forward to working with Leader Chippendale and our members to continue in our role as the opposition party for the betterment of our state.”
From northern Rhode Island, the 2025 House Minority Caucus is comprised of Chippendale, Place, Rep. Brian Newberry of District 48 in North Smithfield and Burrillville; and Rep.-elect Paul Santucci of District 53 in Smithfield and Glocester. It also includes Rep. George Nardone; Rep. Robert Quattrocchi; Rep, Sherry Roberts; Rep.-elect Richard Fascia; Rep.-elect Marie Hopkins; and Rep.-elect Chris Paplauskas.