Politics & Government

Fox Resigns as Speaker of the House

"I will not let yesterday's events distract my colleagues from addressing the challenges facing Rhode Island," the now-former Speaker of the House said.

Gordon Fox has resigned as speaker of the house.

In a statement, Fox, the subject of a pair of raids at his office at the Rhode Island State House and at his home in Providence's East Side on Friday, said he "will not let yesterday's events distract my colleagues from addressing the challenges facing Rhode Island."

Here's his statement in its entirety:

“The Rhode Island House of Representatives is an institution that I deeply respect and serving my constituents has been a major part of my life for the past 22 years. I will not let yesterday’s events distract my colleagues from addressing the challenges facing Rhode Island.”

 “Because of the respect I have for all members of the House of Representatives, I am resigning as Speaker. The process of governing must continue and the transition of leadership must be conducted in an orderly manner.”

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“I want to thank my colleagues and loyal staff for all that we were able to accomplish together. I will continue to serve out the remainder of my term and represent my neighbors and constituents in District 4. That said, I do not intend to seek another term in the House.”

 “My personal focus going forward will be on my family and dealing with the investigation. Because of the nature of this matter, I will not be commenting further.”

Find out what's happening in Cranstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The stage is now set for a new election for Speaker of the House on Tuesday, and after what appeared to be factions forming within the Democratic party on Friday, House Majority Leader Nicholas Mattiello seems poised to take the speakership as more and more state leaders threw their support behind him.


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