U.S. Rep. David Cicilline Leaving Congress To Lead Rhode Island Foundation

RHODE ISLAND — U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), said he will resign from U.S. Congress on June 1, to serve as the next president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Cicilline is serving his seventh term, having filled several leadership roles during his tenure, including being a member of the House Democratic Leadership and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on the Judiciary.

"Serving the people of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District has been the honor of my lifetime," Cicilline said. "As president and CEO of one of the largest and oldest community foundations in the nation, I look forward to expanding on the work I have led for nearly 30 years in helping to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders."

"For more than a decade, the people of Rhode Island entrusted me with a sacred duty to represent them in Congress, and it is a responsibility I put my heart and soul into every day to make life better for the residents and families of our state," Cicilline added. "The chance to lead the Rhode Island Foundation was unexpected, but it is an extraordinary opportunity to have an even more direct and meaningful impact on the lives of residents of our state."

Formed in 1916, the Rhode Island Foundation is the state's community foundation and the largest funder of nonprofit organizations. The Rhode Island Foundation supports community programs through grants and investments, provides a forum for dialogue around critical civic issues, and advances strategic priorities to address issues of equity and improve economic, educational, and health outcomes for all Rhode Islanders.

Prior to becoming a congressman, Cicilline became Providence's first openly gay mayor when he was elected in 2002.

"David has been a fearless champion for equality for decades, first in the Rhode Island state House, then as mayor of Providence and now in Congress," LGBTQ Victory Institute CEO Annise Parker said. "He has consistently gone to bat for pro-LGBTQ legislation, stood up against homophobic and transphobic policies, and passed laws to make our country more equitable for all. David will go down as one of the most groundbreaking LGBTQ leaders in American history. We look forward to working with him during his remaining time in Congress and in his new role at the Rhode Island Foundation."

Cicilline will remain in office until he begins service at the Rhode Island Foundation on June 1. Constituents can continue contacting the office for assistance with federal agencies and for legislative issues.

By federal law and the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, after June 1, members of Cicilline’s staff will continue to operate offices in both Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. under the supervision of the clerk of the House of Representatives until a new representative is elected to fill the unexpired term in a special election.

During that time, staff will continue to help constituents who require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies. Staff will also be available to assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but will not be at liberty to provide analysis of issues, render opinions or advocate positions of public policy.