Rhode Island Rep. Cicilline Resigning From Congress

Democratic Rhode Island Rep. David Cicilline announced Tuesday that he'll soon resign to lead a nonprofit group.

The Details: Cicilline will leave elected office on June 1 to become CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, according to a statement from his office. The foundation's website says it's "committed to strengthening Rhode Island through our strategic initiatives in education, health, and economic security, as well as through impact investing, our diversity, inclusion, and equity work; and more."

Key Quotes: “For more than a decade, the people of Rhode Island entrusted me with a sacred duty to represent them in Congress, and it is a responsibility I put my heart and soul into every day to make life better for the residents and families of our state,” Cicilline told The Boston Globe (Left bias).

What it Means: The move will trigger a special election in Rhode Island’s first congressional district. Cicilline won reelection by 28 points last year, and his seat is expected to remain in Democratic control. As chairman of the House Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law, Cicilline has been at the forefront of efforts to scrutinize Big Tech companies.

How the Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered Cicilline's announcement as a top story on Tuesday, and many framed it as surprising.