Rhode Island First
Why I’m Considering a Run for Congress in 2028 — and Why It’s Personal
Rhode Island, I’m David Clarke.
I’m a right-leaning independent and a problem-solver by nature. I’ve worked as a Department of Defense contractor at NUWC for over 14 years. I’ve also worked a second part-time job for the last 6 years, usually 55–60 hours a week total. My wife is an ER nurse, and we feel the squeeze like everyone else: electric bills, housing costs, groceries, insurance, and the constant nickel-and-diming.
I live in Middletown because it’s close to both my work at NUWC and my wife’s work, and because this is home. My daughter starts high school here in fall 2026, so this isn’t politics to me. It’s personal.
I’m not a politician. I’m a blue-collar guy who cares about what’s happening in our own backyard. That’s why I’m considering a run for Congress in 2028, either RI-01 or RI-02.
My focus is simple: accountability, affordability, and oversight, with a hard RI-first mindset. Defense and veterans. Housing working people can afford. Healthcare costs that don’t wipe you out. Seniors who shouldn’t be punished for living on fixed incomes.
I’m bipartisan in the real way. I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about helping Rhode Islanders.
I’m not running to be for or against any one person. I’m running to represent Rhode Island. When any president, Republican or Democrat, does something that helps Rhode Island families, I’ll support it. When they push something that hurts Rhode Island, I’ll oppose it. My loyalty is to the people who live here, not to a personality or a party label.
Rhode Island is exhausted by national political theater. It brings out the worst in both sides and fixes nothing here. We need a Rhode Island campaign, not a national script. One leader I respect is Brian Fitzpatrick because he shows what governing should look like: show up, do the homework, work across the aisle, and deliver for your district.
If I’m fortunate enough to earn your vote, one of my first goals would be to join the Problem Solvers Caucus so we can move practical bills that can actually pass. My first committee choices would be Armed Services and Transportation & Infrastructure. Over time, I’d aim for Ways and Means and Intelligence, because taxes and national security deserve serious work, not talking points.
I’ve also been working on draft bills for the Rhode Island State House and at the federal level. This is new to me, but I’m tired of complaining without offering solutions. In 2027, I want to put ideas in front of leaders from both parties and push for results. They can take the credit. I just want Rhode Island to win.
I’ll also say this: the RI GOP has a solid bench in the House and Senate, and a lot of them are doing real work on issues Rhode Islanders feel every day. With new leadership under Chairman Allyn Meyers focused on building, recruiting, and accountability, I think we can be in a much better place over the next few years. From what I’m hearing, he’s got a plan, and I’m looking forward to hearing him lay it out and hopefully sitting down with him one day to talk through it.
And I’ll stay accountable the same way I live my life: show my work. I’ll post clear explanations of my positions, what I’m doing, and what outcomes we’re getting, not just headlines. If you’ve been on the Rhode Island House of Representatives Facebook page, you’ve probably seen me in the comments already, talking through bills and what I’d change to make them actually work.
If I end up running, it may be on the GOP ticket, but hear me clearly: I will vote Rhode Island first.
What’s the one issue you want fixed first in your town: utility bills, housing, healthcare costs, taxes/fees, or public safety?