Washington, D.C. – Today, Latino Victory Fund announced the endorsement of Nellie Gorbea for Rhode Island governor. Gorbea would be the first Latina elected governor of Rhode Island and the first Latina governor in New England, as well as the first Puerto Rican-born governor stateside.
“Secretary Gorbea’s historic candidacy reflects the Latino community’s growing political power in New England states, including Rhode Island,” said Nathalie Rayes, Latino Victory Fund president and CEO. “Throughout her career in public service, Secretary Gorbea has improved the lives of Rhode Islanders, from voter protection to expanding small business opportunities. As governor, she will work to boost the economy, expand educational opportunities, and address the climate crisis. With Secretary Gorbea at the helm, Rhode Islanders will be able to count on a state government that is effective and accountable to the people.”
Meet Secretary Nellie Gorbea
Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea is focused on improving the economy and expanding affordable housing, access to quality education, and addressing opportunities and challenges of climate change. As secretary of state, she modernized Rhode Island’s elections infrastructure, increased cybersecurity measures, and brought both online and automated voter registration to the state. As a member of the Democratic Secretaries of State, she has been a vocal supporter of voting rights at a time when Republican-led legislatures have passed voter suppression laws.
Gorbea was re-elected in 2018 to serve Rhode Island for a second term and continue making government work for people. She made history when she was sworn in on January 6, 2015, becoming the first Hispanic elected to statewide office in New England.
As state secretary, she modernized Rhode Island’s elections infrastructure, increased cybersecurity measures, and brought both online and automated voter registration to the state. She developed online resources and reduced red tape to make it easier for small businesses to start and grow. As a result of her work, a record number of new businesses were started in Rhode Island in 2020 despite the pandemic. Additionally, she instituted comprehensive lobby reform to reduce the power of special interests and make the government more transparent.
As governor, Gorbea will continue working with diverse coalitions to solve problems and improve the lives of Rhode Islanders. She will focus on local economic development, including helping small businesses grow after the effects of the pandemic. She’ll work to improve schools so our children can get a great education and expand affordable housing so young people, families, and our workforce can stay in Rhode Island. Gorbea is determined to make Rhode Island a leader in renewable energy jobs as well as address climate change.
Before entering public service, Gorbea founded the Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund and served on numerous other community boards. Prior to running for office, she was the Executive Director of HousingWorks RI which provided compelling information on the need for affordable housing for the economic development of the state.
For more information on Gorbea’s campaign, please click here.
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The Latino Victory Fund is a progressive political action committee with the mission of growing Latino political power by increasing Latino representation at every level of government – from the school board to the Senate to the White House.
