“I am thrilled to receive these endorsements from leaders with proven track records of fighting for our city,” writes Senator Bell. “It has been a pleasure to work with each of them, and I look forward to continuing to advocate side by side with them for the people we represent.”

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Rhode Island State Senator Samuel Bell (Democrat, District 5, Providence) is finishing up his first term and preparing for re-election. The progressive Senator is now facing a primary challenge from Providence City Councilmember Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), a more conservative Democrat with support from Senate leadership. Ryan serves as the Majority Leader in the Council.

Bell’s endorsements includes two of Ryan’s co-workers on the Providence City Council, Councilmembers Rachel Miller (Ward 13 and Michael Correia (Ward 6).

“I support Senator Bell for re-election because he has shown that he will stand up for what is right for our city and our residents, even when it is difficult,” wrote Miller in a statement. “To recover and rebuild from our current crisis, we need to come together, city and state, and we’ll face difficult choices along the way.  We need leaders like Senator Bell, leaders who have proven that they can roll up their sleeves and dive in while holding the interests of vulnerable communities at the forefront.”

“During this difficult time, it is more important than ever that we have leaders at the statehouse who will fight to get things done for our neighborhoods, no matter who is pushing back,” wrote Correia, who serves as Council President Pro Tempore. “That is why I support Senator Bell for re-election to the Senate.”

Bell also received the endorsement of State Representative John Lombardi (Democrat, District 8, Providence). “Providence needs leaders who will work with all parts of our community to fight for our city, no matter the political pressure,” writes Lombardi. “I have enjoyed working together with Senator Bell, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the difficult battles ahead in the General Assembly. That is why I am endorsing Sam Bell for reelection to the state Senate.”

The last of Bell’s recent endorsements came from former State Representative Joanne Giannini.

“I am proud to endorse Senator Bell for reelection to the Senate,” wrote Giannini. “In my years representing the Mt Pleasant, Elmhurst, and Valley neighborhoods in the General Assembly, I learned how important it is to tell the truth, resist pressure from political insiders, and work together with everyone for the good of our state, even those with different political views. We need leaders who will support every corner of our neighborhoods, avoiding the kind of divisive politics that divides us up instead of bringing us together, which is why I am so excited to support Senator Bell in his reelection.”

In his press release, Bell wrote, ““In my first term in office, I have worked as hard as I can to fight for working people, even when that has meant challenging political insiders and powerful corporate interests.  I look forward to asking my neighbors for their vote in the Democratic primary on September 8 to continue the work we started two years ago.  We face an uphill battle over the coming years, and I will fight my hardest for a full economic recovery that leaves no one behind.”

[From a press release]