House Democratic Caucus Endorses Shekarchi, Blazejewski to Lead Chamber

The House Democratic Caucus endorsed Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi to serve as the Speaker of the House for the 2021-22 legislative session. The caucus, at a meeting tonight at the Crowne Plaza, elected Deputy Whip Christopher R. Blazejewski to serve as the Majority Leader for the 2021-22 session.

The Shekarchi-Blazejewski leadership team received 56 votes from the 65-member caucus. While Majority Leader-elect Blazejewski will ascend to the new position because of the caucus vote, Speaker-nominee Shekarchi will become official following a vote of the 75-member chamber on January 5, 2021, the first day of the new session.

“I am humbled by the overwhelming support shown to me at the caucus,” said Speaker-nominee Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). “With the help of my fellow representatives, I am committed to bringing reform to the chamber and empowering the elected members. Together, we will tap into our colleagues’ ideas, talent, and experience; work to help our economy recover in a way that it works for all Rhode Islanders and protects our most vulnerable populations; and reform the way that business is done at the State House.”

Speaker-nominee Shekarchi offered strong praise for Majority Leader-elect Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence) to succeed him as House Majority Leader.

“Chris is a hard-working, thoughtful, and highly-respected colleague and lawyer who brings a wealth of energy and insight into many important issues facing our state,” said Speaker-nominee Shekarchi.  “I am proud to have Chris lead my team, and will work with him to empower our members and ensure that all voices in our Democratic caucus are heard.”

“I strongly support Joe for Speaker because he is 100% committed to making sure all voices are heard and opinions are fairly debated and considered,” said Majority Leader-elect Blazejewski.  “Working together, our shared goals are to ensure that business is performed in a professional, respectful manner, and to enact reforms so all members are part of the legislative process in an open, fair, and transparent environment.”