WASHINGTON — Rhode Island Democrat Rep. David Cicilline announced Tuesday that he would be leaving Congress at the end of May to become the new president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, marking a rare resignation early in a session.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District,” Cicilline said in a statement. I have worked for nearly thirty years to help improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders.”
He will start his new job on June 1, 2023, the statement said.
Cicilline, who represents a Democratic-leaning district around Providence, has served in the House since 2011. He chaired the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee last session, and he chaired the Antitrust Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. He also served as impeachment manager in the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump following the January 6 attack.
Cicilline sought to become assistant minority leader this session during the leadership shakeup, but ultimately dropped his bid to make way for Rep. Jim Clyburn, D.S.C.
The decision makes Cicilline the first Democrat to retire from the House this session of Congress without seeking higher office.
“The opportunity to lead the Rhode Island Foundation was unexpected, but it is an extraordinary opportunity to make an even more direct and meaningful impact on the lives of our state’s residents,” he said. “The same energy and commitment I brought to elected office, I will now bring as CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, furthering their mission to ensure that all Rhode Islanders have access to economic security, quality, affordable healthcare. and receive education and training. Will set them on the path to prosperity.”
Ali Vitali And Haley Talbot Contribution,
