Walsh fends off challenge from Earnheart

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A sitting female lawmaker known for championing liberal causes has won in the Democratic primary in Rhode Island over a Donald Trump-voting male candidate.

State Rep. Moira Walsh won Wednesday in Providence’s District 3 against Michael Earnheart, who was a registered Republican until December and voted for Trump.

The Rhode Island Democratic Party unleashed a furor by endorsing Earnheart, then backtracked and withdrew the endorsement.

Walsh has said she felt like she was running against Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello because of his strong support for Earnheart.

Walsh won with about 55 percent of the vote.

She said on Twitter that Mattiello made her “strive harder, push farther and hold grudges.” She added a hashtag in support of Mattiello’s opponent in November, Republican Steven Frias.

Walsh is unopposed in November.

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