Dates Set For Special Election To Fill David Cicilline's U.S. Congressional Seat

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island Secretary of State Greg Amore and Gov. Dan McKee have set dates for the special election to fill outgoing U.S. Rep. David Cicilline's (D-RI), seat.

A primary election will be held on Sept. 3, while the special election to fill Rhode's Island's First Congressional District seat was scheduled for Nov. 7, state officials said Wednesday. There will also be three weeks of early voting before both elections.

"Over the last several weeks, the Rhode Island Department of State has worked closely with the Governor's Office to develop the calendar for this upcoming special election," Amore said. "I look forward to continuing our partnership and working with the board of elections and our local cities and towns to ensure an efficient election. I encourage eligible voters and potential candidates to review the proposed calendar and take action now to ensure they are prepared to participate in this upcoming election."

Cicilline in February said he's leaving U.S. Congress to serve as the next president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. His resignation takes effect June 1.

In the heavily Democratic state, the primary could become the more competitive of the two races, barring a Republican launching a strong challenge. So far, several Democrats have launched campaigns, including Lt. Go. Sabina Matos, state Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Pawtucket), Providence City Councilor John Goncalves, former governor administration official Nick Autiello, state Rep. Nathan Biah (D-Providence), former Republican candidate Allen Waters and newcomer Mickeda Barnes.

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of Cicilline's term, which is up for re-election in 2024.

The tentative special election calendar can be found below:

• May 31: Potential candidates must be registered to vote in Rhode Island; deadline for candidates to disaffiliate from their political party to run as a candidate from another party
• June 29 to June 30: Candidate declaration period
• No later than July 6: Nomination paper signing period begins
• July 14: Deadline for candidates to submit nomination papers to the local Board of Canvassers (4 p.m.)
• Aug. 6: Voter registration deadline for the primary
• Aug. 15: Mail ballot application deadline for the primary
• Aug. 16 to Sept. 5: Early voting period for the primary
• Sept. 5: Special primary
• Oct. 8: Voter registration deadline for the special election
• Oct. 17: Mail ballot application deadline for the special election
• Oct. 18 to Nov. 6: Early voting period for the special election
• Nov. 7: Special election.