NORTH KINGSTOWN (AP) — Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea plans to run for governor next year.
“I have a track record of meeting challenges head-on, of thinking beyond the status quo and building consensus on tough policy decisions,” the Democrat said in a video announcement released Sunday. “As governor, I will continue to make our government more accountable to the people, to challenge special interests and the status quo and connect people to opportunities that will help them thrive.”
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Her run pits her against incumbent Gov. Daniel J. McKee and Dr. Luis Daniel Muñoz, who so far are the only two to announce their candidacy for the Democratic nomination.
Gorbea, 53, of North Kingstown, became the first Latina elected to statewide office in New England when she became secretary of state in 2015.
Born in Puerto Rico, Gorbea was deputy secretary of state from 2002 to 2006.
She also founded the Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund and was executive director of HousingWorks RI.
In her announcement, she touted her accomplishments as secretary of state, including updating elections infrastructure, increasing cybersecurity and reducing red tape to make it easier for small businesses to thrive.
