RI-01: The Democratic primary for the expected special election to succeed Rep. David Cicilline keeps getting more crowded, with state Rep. Nathan Biah joining the fray on Thursday. Biah, like two of the other notable contenders so far, is also an immigrant, having fled the civil war in Liberia when he was 20. In 2020, Biah, a high school principal, ousted incumbent Democrat Moira Walsh with the backing of then-Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, who had repeatedly clashed with Walsh. (Mattiello, however, went on to lose to a Republican that November.)
Meanwhile, state Rep. Marvin Abney, who chairs House Finance Committee, has added his name to the very long list of Democrats who are considering the race, though he says he's focused on completing the state's next budget. That's typically not until June, which wouldn't leave him much time since the special primary is likely to take place in August or September. Separately, Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera says she's still thinking about a bid, though in new remarks, she said, "I’m proud to see women, particularly women of color, recognizing this opportunity and working to elevate our representation," which may be a hint that she'll stay out since two Latinas, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and state Sen. Sandra Cano, are already running.