Costa Won't Seek Another House Term, Eyes Town Council Instead

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI—Rep. Doreen Costa said Tuesday that she won't seek another term representing North Kingstown residents in the Rhode Island General Assembly.

Instead, she said she intends to run for a seat on the North Kingstown Town Council.

"I am SO happy with my decision and have no regrets," Costa wrote on her Facebook page, "Costa Corner," which she uses to interact with constituents and supporters. "I go out on my terms and with my word that I kept. I will still be involved and hopefully on the NK Town Council. I have been working with a Republican Candidate that will be running for this seat and he will be fantastic."

That candidate is Michael Marfeo, from Exeter.

Rhode Island GOP Chairman Brandon S. Bell said that Costa promised that she'd limit herself to three terms when she was first elected to the District 31 seat in 2010.

"Following the lead of former Republican Representative Susan Iannitelli, she is fulfilling the promise that she made and is encouraging that a constitutional amendment to implement term limits will get through the General Assembly and on to the voters for their approval," Bell said.

Bell thanked Costa for her service and energetic determination as she served on Smith Hill.

"Doreen can see outside the dome. She was on Smith Hill for the right reasons and now she is moving on to her next commitment to public service," he said.

Costa's decision caught many longtime political watchers by surprise, despite her pledge to limit her terms. She drew support from a community that liked her straight-talk on the issues, criticism of the status quo and long-established leadership of the House and endurance. Costa garnered a lot of support from walking her district and knocking on doors, which she has said is a key reason she was able to win the seat and hold on for three terms.

Costa said she will be spending time with her new grandchild.

She said she "had to keep this decision quiet until we secured a candidate."

And she said she is thankful for the experience and opportunity.

"I am truly blessed," she said.

As a Republican, Costa could upend the Town Council race here in North Kingstown. Her popularity and established name thanks to her time in the General Assembly suggests she will have an advantage in the race.

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