PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Democratic state Rep. Aaron Regunberg said Thursday he is exploring a run for lieutenant governor, which could set up a primary challenge for current Lt. Gov. Dan McKee.
Regunberg, of Providence, confirmed that supporters are planning to host a “conversation with State Representative Aaron Regunberg” at a home in Pawtucket on Sept. 27. Regunberg said he has not made any decisions yet.
“But I believe the lieutenant governor’s office could be an exciting platform to fight for everyday Rhode Islanders whose voices are too often not heard at the Statehouse,” he said. “Having said that, 2018 is a long way off yet.”
Regunberg, 27, was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016. He is a graduate of Brown University. He led the push for legislation mandating paid time off for workers who call in sick. That legislation passed Tuesday.
He declined to comment when asked about McKee’s performance as lieutenant governor.
McKee has worked on issues surrounding small business and energy costs since being elected in 2014. He plans to run again next year, spokesman Mike Trainor said Thursday.
“We would be surprised that someone within the party would take on an incumbent Democrat who won with 58 percent of the vote four years ago,” Trainor said.
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