by WPRI.com Staff
Langevin, a Democrat who has represented the 2nd Congressional District since 2001, defeated Republican Rhue Reis and two independent candidates, Salvatore Caiozzo and Jeffrey Johnson.
“We’ve got our challenges in the country right now, we’ve also got a find a way to come together in a strong bipartisan way,” Langevin told his supporters. “And I hope my colleagues around the country have heard the frustration of the American people, that they’re tired of the partisanship in Washington, the gridlock, that we need to get beyond what has been going on and find a way to come together.”
Langevin, a former state lawmaker and secretary of state, was always favored over Reis, who previously ran against him in 2014, but nevertheless spent money to air TV ads promoting his bid for another term.
All four members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation are Democrats. Congressman David Cicilline was also re-elected Tuesday. U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are not up for re-election again until 2020 and 2018, respectively.
Langevin thanked Rhode Islanders for their continued support in a statement Tuesday night.
“Serving the people of Rhode Island has been the greatest honor of my life, and I am so incredibly humbled and grateful that the voters have again put their faith in me. With the budget deadline looming and so many incredible challenges facing our nation – from income inequality to immigration reform – I am anxious to return to Washington and to get back to work on behalf of our great state. I also want to thank my General Election opponents, Rhue Reis, Sal Caiozzo, and Jeff Johnson. Putting yourself out there and running for office is not an easy thing to do. I applaud anyone who wants to pursue public service, including these three gentlemen.
“I got into public service because I wanted to give back to a community that had supported me and my family at a difficult time. The issues we face may seem different today than they were back then, but my reasons for pursuing this office have not changed. I love the State of Rhode Island and the people here, and I promise that I will continue to do my very best to represent you.”
