Progressives capture more seats in Rhode Island General Assembly

The Rhode Island General Assembly tilted to the left again Wednesday as several progressive candidates defeated centrist opponents backed by party leaders in Democratic primaries.

Those winners included Rep. Moira Walsh, a critic of House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello. She fended off a challenge from Michael Earnheart, an unapologetic supporter of President Donald Trump.

With all precincts reporting, Walsh defeated Earnheart, 607 to 447, taking around 58 percent of the vote, according to figures from the state Board of Elections.

Earnheart, who joined the Democratic Party less than a year ago, triggered national attention this summer when the state Democratic Party endorsed him over Walsh — then rescinded that endorsement when his GOP background was revealed.

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