Khalil Joseph Shekarchi[1] (born May 17, 1962) is an American politician currently serving as speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. A Democrat, he has represented District 23 in Warwick since January 1, 2013. He was chairman of the House Labor Committee until his Democratic colleagues elected him as the House majority leader in November 2016. After four years as majority leader, his colleagues elected him speaker in November 2020 following the defeat of longtime speaker Nicholas Mattiello. Shekarchi considers himself a moderate Democrat.
Joe Shekarchi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 224th Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 5, 2021 | |
| Deputy | Charlene Lima |
| Preceded by | Nicholas Mattiello |
| Majority Leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
| In office January 3, 2017 – January 5, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | John DeSimone |
| Succeeded by | Christopher Blazejewski |
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 23rd district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Flaherty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Khalil Joseph Shekarchi May 17, 1962 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Suffolk University (BA, JD) |
| Website | Official website |
Early life and education
editShekarchi was born to a father of Iranian-American descent and a mother of Italian-American heritage. He grew up in the Conimicut neighborhood of Warwick.[2][3] He earned his bachelor's degree from Suffolk University and his Juris Doctor from the Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Mount St. Charles Academy in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, prior to attending Suffolk.[2]
Career
editShekarchi was the manager of Paul Tsongas's Rhode Island campaign for the 1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries and then served as a legislative aide in the administration of governor Bruce Sundlun. In 2010, he led future governor Gina Raimondo's successful campaign for general treasurer.[2]
When Robert Flaherty, the incumbent Democratic representative for District 23 in Warwick, failed to qualify for the ballot, Shekarchi was unopposed for the September 11, 2012, Democratic Primary, winning with 536 votes.[4] He won the November 6, 2012, General election with 4,302 votes (67.9%) against Republican nominee John Falkowski,[5] and has served in the position since January 1, 2013.[6]
Shekarchi was chairman of the House Labor Committee until his Democratic colleagues elected him as the House majority leader in November 2016.[7] After four years as majority leader, his colleagues elected him speaker in November 2020 following the defeat of longtime speaker Nicholas Mattiello. Shekarchi considers himself a moderate Democrat.[8]
Personal life
editShekarchi is openly gay.[9] He is the second openly gay speaker of the Rhode Island House, after Gordon Fox.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "Joseph Shekarchi's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
- ^ a b c MacKay, Scott (November 8, 2020). "Commentary: Meet Joe Shekarchi, Speaker-elect". The Public's Radio. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
- ^ "Political Scene: The little-known story of House Speaker Shekarchi's Iranian roots". The Providence Journal. January 2, 2023.
- ^ "2012 Statewide Primary, Representative in General Assembly District 23". Providence, Rhode Island: Secretary of State of Rhode Island. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
- ^ "2012 General Election, Representative in General Assembly District 23". Providence, Rhode Island: Secretary of State of Rhode Island. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
- ^ "Representative K. Joseph Shekarchi". Providence, Rhode Island: Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
- ^ "State of Rhode Island General Assembly". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
- ^ Anderson, Patrick (November 5, 2020). "Shekarchi secures the votes to become House speaker, replacing Mattiello". The Providence Journal.
- ^ Fitzpatrick, Edward (November 5, 2020). "Joe Shekarchi's moment has arrived". The Boston Globe.