Cranston Republican Party elects new leadership team

On Thursday evening, the Cranston Republican City Committee met virtually via Zoom and held its bi-annual reorganization meeting to elect a new slate of executive officers, appoint members to ward committees, and appoint delegates to the State party.

The night began with remarks from the outgoing Chairman, Christopher E. Buonanno, who reflected on his years of service and leading the party through three successful election cycles, where the Republican party captured and held the majority on the City Council, as well as retained the Mayor’s office.

Following Buonanno’s remarks, the floor opened for Chairman nominations. Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins nominated, and the body elected, Ward 6 Councilman and local Attorney, Matthew R. Reilly, as Chairman to lead the Cranston GOP for the next two years.

“I am extremely honored and excited to take on the role of Chairman of the Cranston Republican Party. Chris Buonanno served this party as Chairman with the utmost integrity and I intend to pick up where he left off. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to grow the party and move it forward by bringing back our dedicated, experienced senior members and recruiting new, eager members, who will bring fresh ideas and perspective,” said Reilly. “The tent is big enough for anyone who wants to work together in good faith to ensure we provide the taxpayers of Cranston with fiscally responsible leadership.”

In addition to Reilly, the Cranston GOP elected former Ward 6 Councilman Michael Favicchio as Vice Chairman of Operations, Paula A. Smith as Secretary, Steven Agnoli as Treasurer, and Attorney Michael Lepizzera as Legal Counsel.

When asked about his goals for the next two years, Reilly explained that his vision is to build a strong foundation and structure that can be handed down over generations, rather than redesigning the party every two years around one or two candidates.

“While supporting the current 5-member Republican caucus on the City Council and the Mayor, we need to start building a bench of future candidates. It is not only important to focus on 2022, but to keep our eyes on 2024, 2026, and 2028.”

Anyone in Cranston interested in learning more can contact: Matthew R. Reilly at 401-374-1440 – [email protected]