Refugee advocate Omar Bah formally launched his Democratic campaign in Rhode Island’s Second Congressional District on Thursday night, describing himself as the candidate best prepared to fight for American democracy.
While other candidates in the seven-person Democratic primary have more money in their campaign accounts, Bah pointed to his experience as a journalist who fled torture and persecution in Africa’s smallest nation, The Gambia, to create a new life in Rhode Island devoted to helping others.
“As someone who has fought and stood up to a dictator who was killing people and destroying freedom, I think I’m a better person to fight and defend democracy,” Bah said during an event attend by about 100 people at the Cranston Portuguese Club, “and by the way, democracy is more under threat today in this country than ever before, We can not be complacent.”
Bah, 42, said his appreciation for social justice was formed by witnessing the suffering of family members, including his mother and an older brother with epilepsy, in their impoverished village. After becoming a reporter, Bah ran afoul of a military government and became a wanted man before ultimately being able to flee to Rhode Island.
Bah went on to obtain a series of college degrees and to establish the Refugee Dream Center to help other newcomers. Some of those spoke in favor of Bah ahead of his speech during his campaign launch.
Isabel Kayambe, who came to Rhode Island as a refugee from Angola, said Bah was crucial to her transition. A new citizen in the U.S., she said she looks forward to casting her first vote for him.
“Omar is a positive and an amazing person to be a congressman for the Rhode Island people,” said Amin Fariqy, a former translator for the U.S. government in Afghanistan who came to Rhode Island last October.
Bah offered a three-part message.
The Providence resident said he wants to defend democracy, defend the American dream, and defend the future for young people. He said he would do that, for example, by advocating for expanded access to healthcare and by supporting steps against climate change.
Bah is one of seven Democrats seeking the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin.
The other candidates are Joy Fox, Seth Magaziner, Sarah Morgenthau, Cameron Moquin, Michael Neary and David Segal.
Bah had less than $12,000 in his campaign account at the close of the first quarter, compared with $1.4 million for Magaziner. Bah said he hopes to use a grassroots effort to propel his campaign.
