by Shannon Kelly '26 on November 4, 2023
News Staff
News
Gabriel Amo, a former White House aide to both Presidents Obama and Biden, became the first person of color to represent the state of Rhode Island in Congress. He graduated from Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island, and is the son of Ghanaian and Liberian parents who immigrated to the United States. Amo grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and wishes to “address the critical needs of this country,” such as gun violence, reproductive rights, and climate change (Gabe Amo wins Rhode Island’s Democratic primary | AP News).
Mr. Amo was able to defeat 10 other Democrats to ultimately conquer one-third of the vote. Aaron Regunberg was a top contender as a former state legislator and captured nearly one fourth of the vote. Mr. Amo raised more than $600,000 and used his experience in the White House as well as his local upbringing to connect within the community and to build his resumé. In an interview he stated, “The big reason I’m running is my story. I call it a Rhode Island story.” He’ll now compete for Rhode Island’s seat in the House against Gerry Leonard, a Republican who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, in the general election in November.