RI Secretary Of State Announces 2022 Run For Governor

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's Secretary of State is officially running for governor in 2022. Nellie Gorbea announced her candidacy for the state's top office Monday morning.

"I have a track record of meeting challenges head-on, of thinking beyond the status quo and building consensus on tough policy decisions," Gorbea said in her official announcement. "As Governor, I will continue to make our government more accountable to the people, to challenge special interests and the status quo and connect people to opportunities that will help them thrive."

Gorbea announced her candidacy in two videos: one in English and the other in Spanish. Throughout her time as Secretary of State, she has worked to make elections and other government information more accessible to all residents by publishing information in both languages.

The campaign is a historic one, marking the first time a Latina has run for governor in both Rhode Island and New England, her campaign said.

Gorbea was first elected to the state department in 2014. If elected, she said she plans to continue her work of modernizing state government to be more efficient and people-focused.

"It has long been my mission to fundamentally change the way that government works for the people," she said. "I have done this in my role as Secretary of State and I look forward to doing this for Rhode Islanders as their Governor. I know a strong Rhode Island economy is dependent on having high quality education for all, housing that is affordable, and an infrastructure that is climate resilient."

Gorbea also promised to center "a diversity of voices, perspectives and opinions around the table" when tackling problems.

"I am the proven leader to do just that," she concluded.