Gina Raimondo, Rhode Island’s general treasurer the past three years and the architect of pension overhaul legislation in that state, will run for governor in 2014.
“We’re been able to bring nig changes to Rhode Island. The best way to build on our work the past three years is to seek the Democratic nomination for governor,” Raimondo said in an e-mailed video announcement on Wednesday, confirming a poorly kept secret.
Incumbent Lincoln Chafee, an independent-turned-Democrat, announced earlier this year that he will not run for re-election.
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras may oppose Raimondo in the Democratic primary. Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, a Republican, confirmed early last month his intention to run.
Raimondo, a Providence native who founded venture capital firm Point Judith Capital before her election as treasurer in 2010, orchestrated a landmark pension overhaul bill in 2011 that generated national headlines and favorable reactions in the capital markets.
Five public-sector unions are appealing the law. State Superior Court Justice Sarah Taft-Carter ordered mediation talks, which have continued for several rounds.
