Press Release

Reclaim RI backed candidates sweep primary election

“Reclaim RI did an incredibly important thing for the state: it harnessed the progressive power of its members, their strong convictions about a just future, and it converted that power into a ground-game that helped progressive races tremendously, including mine. It was extraordinary to have such a strong team of experienced volunteers, and they were crucial to our campaign’s success.”

Rhode Island News: Reclaim RI backed candidates sweep primary election

September 10, 2020, 8:05 pm

By Reclaim RI

Reclaim RI did an incredibly important thing for the state: it harnessed the progressive power of its members, their strong convictions about a just future, and it converted that power into a ground-game that helped progressive races tremendously, including mine. It was extraordinary to have such a strong team of experienced volunteers, and they were crucial to our campaign’s success.


Reclaim Rhode Island endorsed and worked hard for four candidates ahead of Tuesday’s Democratic state legislative primaries. Sam Bell, Leonela Felix, Meghan Kallman, and David Morales ran on platforms of racial, social, environmental, and economic justice. All four candidates won their elections with convincing majorities. 

As the General Assembly considers a budget that could include deep cuts harming their poor and working class constituents, these election results send a strong message that Rhode Islanders want a state government that works for all of us, not just the powerful, the wealthy, and the well-connected. All four candidates have committed to opposing any budget that cuts state support for key functions like education, healthcare, municipal funding, and transit. The legislature should consider itself on notice: fight for the people, or the people will replace you.

Over the course of the campaign, dozens of Reclaim RI volunteers filled more than 110 canvassing shifts, working hundreds of volunteer hours—including over 50 get-out-the-vote canvassing shifts over Labor Day weekend alone. Reclaim RI volunteers knocked on over 4,000 doors, and had hundreds of conversations with voters. Volunteers also made hundreds of phone calls on behalf of our endorsed candidates and helped voters access mail and emergency ballots to ensure that every voter’s voice could be heard.

Senator Samuel Bell (District 5) said: “Reclaim RI’s kickass volunteers worked so hard. I cannot thank them enough.”

Democratic nominee for House District 61 Leonela Felix said: ”My campaign was powered by the people from the start, and I am grateful to Reclaim RI for their amazing support. Reclaim RI and I are both committed to winning a living wage for every working person, healthcare and housing as a right not a privilege, and the need for bold action on climate and racial justice. Members of Reclaim RI played a crucial role in helping us knock on thousands of doors throughout our community. I will continue to fight alongside them for a Rhode Island that doesn’t leave any of our neighbors behind.”

Democratic nominee for Senate District 15 Meghan Kallman said: “Reclaim RI did an incredibly important thing for the state: it harnessed the progressive power of its members, their strong convictions about a just future, and it converted that power into a ground-game that helped progressive races tremendously, including mine. It was extraordinary to have such a strong team of experienced volunteers, and they were crucial to our campaign’s success.”

Democratic nominee for House District 7 David Morales said: “Our grassroots campaign was successful because we had an effective ‘ground game’ as we knocked on every door in the neighborhood three times. Some doors were even knocked six times! This would not have been possible without the help of Reclaim RI and their passionate members. It was a pleasure to work alongside Reclaim and I look forward to working with them on advocacy efforts to improve the lives of working people.”

Reclaim RI’s endorsed candidates’ victories come as part of an electoral wave that saw progressive candidates unseat establishment and conservative incumbents across the state. Reclaim RI is proud to have worked alongside the RI Political Co-op, the Providence DSA, the Sunrise Movement, and the Working Families Party to build this emerging progressive majority that will lead Rhode Island in a new direction.

Reclaim RI, founded this May by Bernie 2020 volunteers, continues to fight for a just state budget, to divest from police and prisons in Providence and across the state, and to seek new leadership in the General Assembly. We look forward to working with both incoming and established progressive legislators and welcoming new members into our ranks as we move our agenda forward.