One of the most recognizable names in Rhode Island Republican politics just declared his candidacy for an open House seat in a race that could be competitive in the event of a red wave.
Allan Fung, former mayor of Cranston and two-time gubernatorial candidate, announced his candidacy for the state’s 2nd Congressional District on Friday. While the seat has long been held by Democrats, experts indicate it has the potential to swing to Republicans if the GOP enjoys widespread success on Election Day.
“We need a different type of leader in D.C.,” he wrote in an email to supporters, according to WPRI. “We need a problem solver. We need leaders who are willing to work with people on both sides of the aisle to bring common sense solutions to our everyday problems. I did just that in Cranston, and I can’t wait to do that for you as your next congressman.”
MCNERNEY AND LANGEVIN RETIREMENTS MARK 27TH AND 28TH DEMOCRATS LEAVING HOUSE
Fung said he filed paperwork Friday with the Federal Election Commission to run in the seat held for over 20 years by Democratic Rep. Jim Langevin, who announced his retirement in an op-ed last month.
“I’m back.” pic.twitter.com/TujgX23el6
— Mayor Allan Fung (@AllanFungRI) February 11, 2022
A leading Democratic candidate in the race, General Treasurer of Rhode Island Seth Magaziner, quickly criticized Fung on Twitter following his announcement. The two have been seen by some analysts as top contenders in their respective primaries.
?Allan Fung just announced his candidacy for Congress. His first vote would be to give control of the House to extreme DC Republicans who care more about doing Trump’s bidding than helping working people.
Help me keep District 2 Blue by contributing:https://t.co/mAEA3pX0oN pic.twitter.com/nlbheiGdCz
— Seth Magaziner (@SethMagaziner) February 11, 2022
While both of Rhode Island’s congressional districts have long been held by Democrats, the partisan makeup of its western district is more favorable to Republicans. In 2020, Rep. David Cicilline won reelection in the 1st Congressional District by more than 50 percentage points, whereas Langevin won about 58% of the vote as compared with his opponent’s 42%. His top Republican challenger, Bob Lancia, had less name recognition in the state than Fung, a two-time gubernatorial contender.
The state has not yet implemented its redistricting maps, and it is unclear what effect the new lines could have on the race. The most recent census data resulted in Rhode Island keeping its second seat despite concerns the state might lose it.
Fung ran for governor in 2014 and was defeated by Democrat Gina Raimondo by 40.7% to 36.2%. Fung ran again for governor in 2018 but was again defeated by Raimondo, 52.6% to 37.2%. He served as mayor of the city of Cranston from 2009 to 2021.
A 2022 political upset would not be the first for the Fung family. In the 2020 election, Fung’s wife, Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, defeated Democratic Speaker Nick Mattiello in a state House race.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The last Republican to hold the state’s 2nd Congressional District was then-Rep. Claudine Schneider, who retired in 1991.
Fung is the third major Republican to enter the race, joining a field that includes Lancia and state Sen. Jessica de la Cruz.
