PROVIDENCE – A former Rhode Island secretary of state and two-time Democratic gubernatorial candidate has parted ways with the progressive political group he helped to start.
The Rhode Island Political Cooperative on Tuesday announced that Matthew A. Brown stepped down as co-chair and board member as of Dec. 31. His departure leaves the two other co-chairs, Jeanine Calkin and Jennifer Rourke, in charge, although there may be more leadership changes in the coming months, Calkin told PBN in an interview.
Brown co-founded the Coop in 2018, fresh off his first failed run for governor, as a way to help get progressive candidates elected. The organization had a moment in the spotlight in 2020, when eight of its candidates won seats in the R.I. House and Senate, ousting powerful incumbents like former State Sen. William Conley. However, in 2022, the Coop fell flat, with two wins among its 14 House candidates and losses for all 13 Senate candidates, including Calkin and Rourke, according to news reports. Brown also ran and lost in the 2022 Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Brown’s decision to step down was mutually agreed to among all three co-chairs, according to the statement.
Calkin said he had “different goals” than she and Rourke, and that the two remaining co-chairs are focused on “getting back to the values and missions we started the Coop with.”
Calkin said there were many reasons behind Brown’s decision, and did not want to speak for him. Brown did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment.
Speaking to the Coop candidates’ losses in the 2022 election, Calkin acknowledged it was a “difficult year for progressives,” which she blamed partly on lower turnout among progressive voters.
Understanding and increasing voters’ motivation to go to the polls is one of the Coop’s priorities, along with working to prepare strong candidates for the next election, Calkin said.
“We don’t always just pick candidates we expect to win,” Calkin said. “Sometimes it’s about challenging people in leadership positions.”
Brown served one term as R.I. Secretary of State in 2002. He also briefly ran for U.S. Senate in 2006 before dropping out amid allegations of campaign finance violations, according to news reports.
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. You may reach her at Lavin@PBN.com.
