Party secretary Rep. Arthur Corvese confirmed that Beretta-Perik emailed her resignation to him and the party’s executive committee, effective immediately. The message said, “I am resigning effective today as Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party,” and thanked the recipients.

Her husband, Michael Perik, was one of three people indicted in Ohio in an investigation into alleged theft from Eastern Gateway Community College, which has since closed. The Ohio Auditor of State’s Office says the defendants are accused of diverting Pell grants, other federal aid and state subsidies through fraudulent reimbursements and illegal incentive payments. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Beretta-Perik said Monday that the case was unrelated to her. “This is an Ohio matter and does not involve me,” she wrote. She did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment about her resignation.

Helena Foulkes, the Democratic candidate for governor, had urged Beretta-Perik to step aside. Foulkes described the allegations as “serious and concerning” while emphasizing the right to due process, and pointed to the election ahead as a reason for a change in party leadership.

The resignation comes as Rhode Island Democrats prepare for an election that will shape the state’s political leadership. The party has not announced who will succeed Beretta-Perik as chair.