Rep. David Cicilline to Resign from Congress and Become President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation

Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) announced Tuesday that he will resign from Congress on June 1 to become the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. Cicilline, 61, has served as a House impeachment manager during former President Trump’s second impeachment process and was the first openly gay mayor of a state.

In a statement, Cicilline said, “Serving the people of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District has been the honor of my lifetime. As president and CEO of one of the largest and oldest community foundations in the nation, I look forward to expanding on the work I have led for nearly thirty years in helping to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders.”

The Rhode Island Foundation is a philanthropic group that funds nonprofit organizations in the Ocean State. Cicilline will take over the position on June 1, a year and a half before his seventh two-year term is up.

Cicilline also commented on gun laws, saying, “I hope the Republicans in the Senate won’t stand in the way” of passing gun control legislation. He has been a vocal advocate for gun control and has introduced several bills to Congress in the past.

The Rhode Island Foundation is looking forward to Cicilline’s leadership. “David’s commitment to public service, his deep roots in Rhode Island, and his passion for the Foundation’s mission make him the ideal leader for this organization,” said board chairperson, John J. Kelly.

Cicilline’s resignation from Congress will be effective June 1. He has served as a representative for Rhode Island’s first congressional district since 2011.