NEWS

Cranston native announces bid for Congress

By ALEX MALM
Posted 2/8/22

Cranston native Joy Fox is no stranger to politics.

For years she worked as a communications staffer for different elected officials including then General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, and Congressman …

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NEWS

Cranston native announces bid for Congress

Posted

Cranston native Joy Fox is no stranger to politics.

For years she worked as a communications staffer for different elected officials including then General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, and Congressman Jim Langevin.

As a reporter and editor with the Cranston Herald, Providence Business News, and then as an assignment editor with NBC 10 she covered major stories and elections.

Now she hopes to replace her former boss Langevin as the next Congressperson from the 2nd Congressional District. Langevin in January announced that he wouldn’t be running for a 12th term.

On Tuesday as she formally kicked off her campaign she made stops at local businesses from Westerly to Johnston. It included stops in Pawtuxet Village in Warwick, at Atwood Grille in Johnston and ended with a stop in her hometown at Twin Oaks.

“I believe in the future of Rhode Island. Over the course of my life and career in the Ocean State, I’ve had the privilege of hearing inspiring stories from countless Rhode Islanders. Those stories fueled my decision to run for Congress-so I can represent the voices of caregivers, veterans, educators, health care professionals and the diverse perspectives of my neighbors, the working families of the Second Congressional District,” said Fox.

“I’m excited to take this campaign into the community, and to listen to the people of Rhode Island and focus our energy on fighting for a better future.” Fox spent some time outside Atwood Grill in Johnston answering questions from reporters.

Then she donned her mask and went inside to chat with customers. It didn’t take her long to bump into someone she knew.

Atwood Grill patron Theresa Gambardelli worked for the Cranston School Department. Fox and she recognized each other almost immediately.

“We spoke often when I worked for the Herald,” Fox said to Gambardelli as she finished a bowl of soup. Gambardelli remembered Fox well.

“She was very nice, very pleasant,” Gambardelli recalled. “She was always kind of bubbly.”

Fox said she didn’t have any plans to run for public office.

“I have not been planning to do this in fact people are surprised to hear that I’m wanting to do it, but have been incredibly  encouraging at the same time,” said Fox.

After talking it over with her family and friends she decided that she had something to offer and had a different perspective.

While she hasn’t laid out her formal policy platform yet, Fox said that one of the top issues that she thinks needs to be addressed is climate change.

“The changes that are happening inthe climate right now affect everythingin our lives, everything from the economyto our health to being able to enjoyeverything we enjoy about the OceanState,” said Fox.

During her tour of the District onTuesday, Fox said she was able to hear from different people.

“That’s what this campaign will be about listening to people hearing their thoughts, their ideas, their challenges,” said Fox.

Some of the topics that she heard about included small business issues and the importance of education. Fox said that education is something that is also going to be a focus of her campaign.

“It’s been a really wonderful experience listening to the people in a District that I grew up in, was raised in, and still live in. It’s only served to energize me in this effort,” said Fox.

 

Other contenders

As weeks have passed since Langevin’s announcement the list of those considering a bid for Congress has dwindled.

Currently on the Democratic side those who have announced aside from Fox is General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, former State Representative Ed Pacheco, Omar Bah the founder and executive director of Refuge Dream Center and Michael Neary, a former Rhode Island resident who spent the last few years working and living in Ohio. His past experience includes being a former national political strategist.

He announced his campaign last week.

“I had hoped to file and take these additional next steps prior to this announcement, but due to the winter

weather, I will have to wait until Monday,” said Neary. “I do not wish to delay until then, so today I am announcing my candidacy to represent my home and my fellow Rhode Islanders in the 2nd District as their next Representative in the People’s House.”

The only candidate to run against Langevin last year in the Democratic Primary was Dylan Conley. He confirmed on Sunday that he wouldn’t be running in this year’s contest. On the Republican side former State

Representative Bob Lancia is once again running for the seat. Lancia ran against Langevin last year.

State Senator Jessica de la Cruz also announced that she would be a contender in the race.

Former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung is seriously considering a run for Congress but hasn’t made a final decision at this time.

“It’s been a whirlwind since Congressman Langevin’s surprise announcement,” Fung previously told the Herald. “ Since then I’ve been talking to people nationally and locally about the Congressional race and am taking a serious look at the entire chessboard.

I will take some time to thoughtfully  think about this race.”

“ One thing I know already is that many Rhode Islanders, especially those in the district, are frustrated with

everything going on right now and are desperately yearning for change,” Fung added.

 With reports from Rory Schule

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