As Americans head to their polling places in the 2022 mid-term election, a key Rhode Island race could play a role in defining the makeup of the next Congress. For the first time in this century, Rhode Island could see a traditionally blue seat turn red, as former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, a Republican, goes head-to-head with Democratic Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner in Congressional District 2. Congressman Jim Langevin(D) is retiring after eleven terms, leaving the seat up for grabs.
Recent polls point to a tight race between Fung and Magaziner, which could loom large in the balance of power. The House of Representatives is currently comprised of 220 Democrats and 212 Republicans. The Cook Political Report rates 33 races as toss-ups, including Rhode Island's second district.
The Ocean State's most recent Republican representative in Congress was Ron Machtley, who defeated longtime incumbent Fernand St. Germain in District 1 in1988. Machtley served until 1995, opting to launch an unsuccessful campaign for Governor in 1994. The most recent Republican to serve in District 2 was Claudine Schneider, who served from 1981 to 1991.
photo: Getty Images