Last year, Rhode Island appeared poised to lose its second congressional district due to reapportionment, and Democrats were girding for a primary melee between Reps. David Cicilline and Jim Langevin for the remaining at-large seat.
But thanks to stronger-than-expected census numbers the Ocean State retained both of its seats, and both members looked set to return to Congress without a primary fight.
However, despite having a clear path to re-election, Langevin made the surprise decision to retire from Congress after 11 terms, creating an open seat in a state where such opportunities are rare.
Despite Langevin’s retirement, Democrats begin in…
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