Ethics complaint challenges Shekarchi's (D) bid for Rhode Island Supreme Court

As K. Joseph Shekarchi formally stepped down Thursday as House speaker to pursue a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, a law professor filed an ethics complaint arguing his candidacy violates the state’s code of ethics.

The complaint filed at 4:13 p.m. Thursday with the Rhode Island Ethics Commission by Michael Yelnosky, professor at Roger Williams School of Law, claims Shekarchi violated the state’s “revolving door” rule barring sitting legislators from seeking or accepting employment with another government agency until they’re out of office for a year.

“I did not take this step lightly,” Yelnosky said in an emailed statement to Rhode Island Current Friday morning. “I had hoped that Representative Shekarchi would decide not to apply for the position or, at a minimum, that he would seek an advisory opinion from the Ethics Commission.”

Jason Gramitt, executive director for the state’s Ethics Commission, confirmed receipt of the complaint. He told Rhode Island Current the challenge will likely go before the panel’s voting members for a preliminary review at its next scheduled meeting June 2.






https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/05/08/ethics-complaint-challenges-shekarchis-bid-for-rhode-island-supreme-court/