Democratic lawmaker plans to leave Congress later this year

Democratic Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island will depart Congress later this year to serve as president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

The lawmaker will be relinquishing his role as a representative effective June 1 and beginning his new job on that same date.

Cicilline, who has served as a House lawmaker for more than a decade, won reelection in November 2022 and began serving his seventh term in January 2023 — but he will now be leaving office well before the end of his current term.

Republicans currently control a majority of seats in the House chamber.

"Serving the people of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District has been the honor of my lifetime. As President and CEO of one of the largest and oldest community foundations in the nation, I look forward to expanding on the work I have led for nearly thirty years in helping to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders," Cicilline said in a statement, according to a press release.

Cicilline claims that the new job will enable him to more directly impact Rhode Islanders.

"The chance to lead the Rhode Island Foundation was unexpected, but it is an extraordinary opportunity to have an even more direct and meaningful impact on the lives of residents of our state. The same energy and commitment I brought to elected office, I will now bring as CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, advancing their mission to ensure all Rhode Islanders can achieve economic security, access quality, affordable healthcare, and attain the education and training that will set them on a path to prosperity," he said

A Rhode Island Foundation press release describes the entity as "the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential," the press release states.

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