DGA Statement on Biden’s Selection of Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo As U.S. Secretary of Commerce

President-elect Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo to lead the U.S. Department of Commerce.

DGA Executive Director Noam Lee released the following statement:

“Congratulations to Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo on being selected to lead the U.S. Department of Commerce. President-Elect Biden’s decision speaks to the leadership of Democratic governors before and during this pandemic, and the progress being made in their states. 

“During her tenure as Rhode Island’s governor, the Ocean State turned a corner. Under Gov. Raimondo’s leadership, Rhode Island saw the most jobs in the state’s history and the lowest unemployment in 30 years. Gov. Raimondo more than quadrupled the number of state pre-k classrooms and brought about tuition free community college. She helped the state grow its clean energy economy, protect access to health care, and create new job opportunities. When the pandemic hit, Gov. Raimondo took decisive action to protect the health of Rhode Islanders and the state’s economy, listening to public health experts and making data-backed decisions. 

“Democratic governors across the country look forward to working with Gov. Raimondo in her new role to help America safely recover from the pandemic and build an economy that works for everyone.”