Providence City Council member John Goncalves joins crowded race for Congress

Providence City Council member John Goncalves on Monday launched his campaign for this year's special election in Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District.

“I see the world through the eyes of the most vulnerable people in Rhode Island because I’ve lived it,” Goncalves said in a social media video to launch his bid.

Goncalves, a Democrat, said he would fight for education, working families and good paying union jobs, while working to end gun violence, climate change, student loan debt and discrimination.

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The Brown University graduate has been working as an elementary school teacher for the past 10 years. He has served on the City Council since 2020.

Goncalves joins a growing field of candidates vying for the seat expected to be vacated by Rep. David Cicilline. NBC 10 News counts seven Democrats in the race.

Cicilline said he will step down later this spring to become CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

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