K. Joseph Shekarchi reelected speaker as Rhode Island House organizes for 2025 session

The Rhode Island House of Representatives formally organized for the 2025–26 legislative term on Jan. 7 at the State House in Providence, reelecting K. Joseph Shekarchi as speaker after a roll call vote that produced 62 votes for Shekarchi and 10 for Michael Chippendale.

The session opened with the administration of oaths for members and officers. Secretary of State Greg M. Amore administered the oath to members; Supreme Court Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg administered the oath to the reelected speaker. Francis McCabe was elected clerk of the House by a single-ballot procedure, and Diane DePena was elected recording clerk.

The reelection resolves the chamber’s leadership for 2025–26 and frames the House’s agenda at a time the speaker said the state faces a major budget shortfall and urgent policy priorities. "My door is open. My sleeves are rolled up, and I'm ready to get to work on behalf of the great people of this state," Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said after taking the oath.

Why it matters: the speaker controls much of the House’s floor schedule and committee process; Shekarchi’s return to the rostrum sets the tone for how the chamber will approach a projected budget deficit, housing investments and health-care funding in the coming months.

Most important actions and vote - Speaker election: Representative Jennifer Stewart nominated K. Joseph Shekarchi; Representative…