RI Election 2022 Candidate Profile: Seth Magaziner For U.S. Congress

RHODE ISLAND — The primary election in Rhode Island is fast approaching. Although the race has been headlined by a contentious governor's race, there are plenty of other important races at the local level, including who will represent District 2 for the Ocean State in U.S. Congress.

Six Democrats are vying for the congressional seat in the primary: including Omar Bah, Spencer Dickinson, Joy Fox, Seth Magaziner, Sarah Morgenthau and David Segal.

To help inform voters prior to the Sept. 13 primary, Patch is publishing candidate profiles. This one focuses on Magaziner.

Name

Seth Magaziner

Campaign website

https://sethmagaziner.com

City or town of residence

Cranston

Office sought

U.S. Congress

District, if applicable

Second Congressional District

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Undergraduate degree at Brown University, Master in Business Administration at Yale University.

Occupation

General Treasurer for the State of Rhode Island

Family

My wife Julia McDowell and I got married 5 years ago, and this past year had our first child, Max.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not currently

Age

39

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes, I have been the Rhode Island General Treasurer since 2015.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for Congress to fight for the middle class and those working hard to join it. I have spent the last eight years working to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders by fixing public school buildings and creating clean energy programs that have lowered utility costs and created good jobs. In Congress, I will help working people keep up with the cost of living by lowering the price of prescription drugs, returning record big oil company profits back to consumers, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. I will also stand up for a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions and pass common-sense gun safety legislation.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have worked for the last eight years to deliver results to the residents of the second congressional district on issues most important to them. I led the school construction task force that repaired or replaced over 200 school buildings across the state; created affordable, clean energy programs that helped small businesses save money; and managed the public pension to an all-time high so Rhode Islanders who have spent their lives in public service could retire in dignity.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Congressman Jim Langevin was a tremendous leader that honorably served our district for over 20 years. I thank the Congressman and hope to expand upon his legacy of fighting for Rhode Island.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In addition to lowering the cost of living for Rhode Islanders, I think we need to change the way Washington works. That’s why I support term limits for members of congress and would ban stock trading for members of Congress. It’s wrong members for members of Congress to make money on insider information.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have always used my office to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders and have been willing to work with anyone of any party to get big things done-- like rebuilding schools, creating clean energy programs, and increasing financial security and economic opportunity for working people. We need more leaders in Washington that are going to cut through the nonsense.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I got this advice when I first ran for Treasurer, and over the years it has only become more and more true: people who are the most effective in government are the best listeners. I have spent the last decade listening to Rhode Islanders and working to make their lives better.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a new dad, and I want to make sure that we are leaving a bright future for my son Max and all kids. That's why I am committed to working with anyone and everyone to level the playing field for working people and protect our democracy.