Seth Magaziner Changes Direction, Announces Run For U.S. Congress

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's general treasurer is running for a high-profile public office. If that sounds familiar, it's because this is Seth Magaziner's second such announcement in the past few months.

On Wednesday, Magaziner announced that he will run for the U.S. House of Representatives, vying for the seat held by Congressman Jim Langevin for more than a decade. He previously planned to run for governor, announcing his candidacy in September.

"The fight to preserve our democracy is the most sacred obligation of this generation and this is why I’ve decided to seek to represent the people of Rhode Island’s second congressional district in the United States House of Representatives," Magaziner said in his announcement. "National Republicans like Donald Trump and Kevin McCarthy seek to divide America, undermine democracy, and appeal to the most chaotic, hateful and dangerous elements of their party. Rhode Island must do our part to ensure that they do not succeed."

Magaziner did not specify what prompted him to switch races. The main thrust of his platform focused on the threat of Donald Trump, saying that "every day, Republicans in Washington demonstrate they care more about doing ... Trump’s bidding than they do about defending the constitution or delivering results for working families."

"It’s critical Rhode Island Democrats field a proven general election candidate who can prevent the Republicans from taking back this seat in Congress."

Magaziner has been Rhode Island's general treasurer since 2015.