Portsmouth's Andrew Kelly withdraws from Senate Dist. 11 race

Posted 10/14/22

PORTSMOUTH — Andrew V. Kelly of Portsmouth is withdrawing from his campaign for the Senate seat that was vacated by James A. Seveney (D-Dist. 11, Bristol, Portsmouth, …

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Portsmouth's Andrew Kelly withdraws from Senate Dist. 11 race

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — Andrew V. Kelly of Portsmouth is withdrawing from his campaign for the Senate seat that was vacated by James A. Seveney (D-Dist. 11, Bristol, Portsmouth, Tiverton). 

Kelly made his surprise announcement during a candidates' forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island Thursday night, Oct. 13. Kelly, a Democrat who sits on the Portsmouth Town Council, was running as an independent in the District 11 race.

Describing his years in public service and his ongoing commitment to the Democratic party, he shared the impact of a recent career change that would limit his time and availability to adequately serve the voters in District 11. In his statement he said the following:

"My name is Andrew Kelly and I am on the ballot for Senate District 11. I have been a part of the local community, involved in public service and politics nearly all my life. During my years of service, I have championed high quality public education, worked for improved roads and infrastructure, and preserving our environment. I stand up for rights of women, workers, and all Rhode Islanders. 

"After working in the healthcare field for more than 10 years, through the entirety of the Covid-19 pandemic, I recently made a career change to working in the field of customer service, and started a new job at the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority. 

"The responsibilities of the job are more than I anticipated. It’s important work with a responsibility to the public and I’m committed to doing it well to fulfill my responsibility to provide for my family. I am currently working seven days a week. 

"Given my job and life circumstances, I believe I will be unable to adequately represent the needs of the citizens of District 11. I cannot in good conscience continue my run for the office knowing that at this point in my life I cannot dedicate the necessary time, energy, and passion that the people of Senate District 11 deserve.  

"Thankfully, my colleague and friend, Linda Ujifusa, is very well prepared to do just that, and more. I have worked closely with Ms. Ujifusa during her six years in elected office. We have different styles, but are politically aligned most of the time. I believe Linda could be the first Asian-American elected to the Rhode Island Senate, and that is one glass ceiling I'd like to see shattered sooner rather than later as my future children will be Asian-American. 

"Therefore, I am pulling out of the race for Senate and ending my campaign. I’d like to thank all those who supported me during my campaign, especially my wife, Jolina.

"I urge all of my friends, family, supporters, and all District 11 voters, to join me in supporting Linda Ujifusa for Senate District 11. I know she’ll be tireless advocate for us at the State House."

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