“Serving the people of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District has been the honor of my life,” Cicilline said in a statement. “As President and CEO of one of the nation’s largest and oldest community foundations, I look forward to expanding the work I’ve led for nearly thirty years in helping improve the lives of all Rhodeans.”
Cicilline was the driving force in the House to crack down on the business practices of the nation’s largest technology companies, authoring antitrust legislation and leading a bipartisan investigation into the companies.
But his climb up the Democratic leadership ranks has hit a ceiling. Last year, he withdrew after briefly competing for No. 4 post, secured by Rep. James E. Clyburn (DS.C.).
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) will set a special election date to fill the seat. Cicilline won easily again in November, defeating Republican Allen Waters, 64 percent to 36 percent, in a district that includes most of the city of Providence.
Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House, 222 seats to 212 for Democrats, with one vacancy. Virginians led the polls Tuesday to fill the seat vacated by the death of Rep. A. Donald McEachin in November.
Paul Kane contributed to this report.
