R.I. business leaders brace for ‘lurch to the left’ in House leadership

Christopher Allen

05/15/2026

WHERE DOES the business community stand now that that K. Joseph Shekarchi, left, has stepped down as House speaker and Christopher R. Blazejewski, right, has taken over. PBN FILE PHOTO/CHRISTOPHER ALLEN — WHERE DOES the business community stand now that K. Joseph Shekarchi, left, has stepped down as House speaker and Christopher R. Blazejewski, right, has taken over. PBN FILE PHOTO/CHRISTOPHER ALLEN

The business community is keeping a watchful eye on what’s in store after the changing of the guard for what many consider the most powerful position in state politics. And No. 1 on the list of concerns is proposals to hike taxes on the wealthy. House Speaker Christopher R. Blazejewski, D-Providence, elected to replace K.

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