State Rep. Gregg Amore announced Wednesday his Democratic run for secretary of state.
Speaking in front of more than 100 supporters at East Providence High School, including many lawmakers and union members, Amore described the secretary of state’s office as a logical step, given his more than 20 years teaching history and civics.
“My heartfelt belief in public service instilled in me by my parents, a deep reverence for the protection of the most fundamental right of our democracy — the right to vote — has brought me here today to officially announce this candidacy,” he said. “I look forward to this campaign. I look forward to continuing to meet, listen to and learn from Rhode Islanders.”
Amore, 54, has served five terms as a state representative from East Providence since first winning election in 2012.
He discussed many of his stances on issues related to voting and elections during an appearance on Political Roundtable last week.
The secretary of state’s office is becoming open since term limits prevent Nellie Gorbea from seeking re-election. She announced a run for governor earlier this year.
Amore pointed to his support for the school building program that helped produce a new high school in East Providence.
He praised secretaries of state in various states for standing firm against threats and misinformation following last year’s presidential election. Amore is a sponsor of legislation to preserve many of the measures credited with historically high voting during the pandemic, such as early voting, although the legislature has yet to pass the measure.
Amore, who staged a fundraiser at an East Providence golf club after his announcement, said he will participate in the state’s matching funds program for candidates.
Legislative colleagues, including House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, touted Amore’s ability to serve as secretary of state. Those attending his launch included former Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and former Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and top officials of the National Education Association Rhode Island teachers’ union such as Robert Walsh and Patrick Crowley.
Amore faces a potential Democratic primary with Liz Tanner, head of the state Department of Business Regulation, who tells The Public’s Radio she will decide on whether to pursue a run by the end of the year.
Tanner, a Bristol resident who previously worked for Commerce RI, ran her own law practice, and served as an election volunteer, said that breadth of experience would make her an effective secretary of state.
Republicans have not yet unveiled a candidate for secretary of state.
