(FixThisNation.com) – Republican Gerry Leonard who had previously criticized former President Donald Trump has won the Republican primary in the special election for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District. On Tuesday, Leonard managed to win the primary election with a lead of more than 50 percentage points against former town council member Terri Flynn. He has also been the endorsed candidate of the Rhode Island GOP.
Former Rep. David Cicilline (D) resigned in order to start his role at the Rhode Island Foundation, which meant that a special election needed to be called for his seat to be filled. In the general election Leonard, who is a veteran, is going to face former White House aide Gabe Amo, who is the Democratic candidate. The election is scheduled for November 7 and traditionally, the Democratic candidates have fared better in the state.
If Leonard manages to win the general election he is going to be the first Republican Representative for the 1st Congressional District in close to three decades, since Rep. Ron Machtley held the position from 1989 to 1995.
In a statement to The Associated Press Leonard noted that after his recent week, he was excited to meet with Rhode Islanders and share his story and intentions for the state. He added that it was necessary for them to begin sending to Washington leaders who place principles above politics. As he pointed out this is a message that resonates with voters.
This is similar to the criticisms that he had for Trump, when during an interview with NBC 10 he stated that no one in the U.S. is above the law.
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