RI Governor Acknowledges Biden Commerce Nomination

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Gina Raimondo appears ready to move to the national stage. Thursday night, the Rhode Island Democrat tweeted that she looks forward to serving as President-elect Joe Biden's Secretary of Commerce.

"Rhode Island may be small, but our economy is mighty on the strength of our small businesses and innovative technologies," Raimondo tweeted just before 8:30 p.m. "As Secretary of Commerce, I will harness that same American ingenuity to create good-paying union jobs and build our economy back better than ever before."

Raimondo was announced as Biden's pick for Commerce Secretary Thursday afternoon, though the governor did not immediately respond. There was some uncertainty as to if she would accept the nomination, after she roundly dispelled rumors that she was a top pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services last month.

At the time, Raimondo said she was fully focused on steering Rhode Island through the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Another telling sign: the governor changed the description of her political (non-gubernatorial) Twitter account to read "Mom, wife, daughter, Governor. Nominee for Secretary of Commerce."

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea praised Raimondo's nomination, calling her "a trailblazing leader throughout her life."

"In choosing her as his nominee for Commerce Secretary, President-elect Biden is recognizing her experience and dedication to enhancing commerce. Governor Raimondo will serve our nation well in this role," Gorbea said. "I am particularly looking forward to her leadership of the U.S. Census Bureau, which is operated by the Commerce Department. I know I join Rhode Islanders in wishing her well as she goes forward to the confirmation process and look forward to congratulating her again in the near future."

Raimondo was expected to be asked about the nomination and her transition plans at her weekly coronavirus news conference at 1 p.m. Friday. Thursday night, the governor's office announced that the conference will be rescheduled to next week.

Should Raimondo accept the position and resign as governor, Lieutenant Gov. Dan McKee would assume the role until the next gubernatorial election in 2022.