Raimondo Resigns; McKee Poised To Take Governor's Oath

Cranston RI

02 March, 2021

6:25 PM

Description

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island will have a new governor before the day is up. Newly minted Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stepped down from her position Tuesday evening, with her second-in-command to take the oath of office less than an hour later. Lt. Gov. Dan McKee will take the oath of office at 6:30 p.m. Rhode Islanders can watch live via Capitol TV. "Thank you, Rhode Island, for the trust you have placed in me these past ten years," Raimondo said. "It has been a privilege to serve as your treasurer and governor, and I know the future is bright." Tuesday afternoon, Raimondo's nomination as Commerce Secretary was overwhelmingly confirmed in the Senate. Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, who will administer McKee's oath of office, called Raimondo's confirmation "a proud moment for all Rhode Islanders and a great way for women and girls everywhere to celebrate Women's History Month." "While in the Governor's office, Secretary Raimondo worked hard to enhance commerce in the Ocean State. I am confident she will bring that leadership and dedication into her new role and serve our country well," Gorbea said. "I also want to congratulate incoming Governor Dan McKee, whom I will swear in later this evening. I look forward to working with his office to continue growing our state's economy, ensure small businesses can grow and thrive, and keep Rhode Island on a path to recovery." Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi released a joint statement congratulated both Raimondo and McKee for their respective promotions. "As Governor, Gina Raimondo led our state to record employment levels before the pandemic hit, and she provided steady, compassionate leadership over this past, most difficult year. On behalf of the General Assembly, we wish her and her family all the very best as she takes on this very important role," the statement read in part. "We also want to extend our congratulations to Governor Dan McKee. He has been a consistent and strong voice on behalf of Rhode Island's hard-hit small business community. He brings a valuable perspective as a former municipal leader, which will be important as we work collaboratively to rebuild our state. We know everyone in the legislature looks forward to working in collaboration with Governor McKee to address the many challenges facing our state." Thank you, Rhode Island, for the trust you have placed in me these past ten years. It has been a privilege to serve as your treasurer and governor, and I know the future is bright. pic.twitter.com/Ll9YXTCgRk— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) March 2, 2021