Politics
Rhode Island 2nd District candidates diverge on war, Jan. 6 and AI rules
Rep. Seth Magaziner and challenger Vic Mellor offered sharply different approaches to living costs, the war in Iran and artificial intelligence during a debate in Cranston. They also defended their ties to Rhode Island and disputed the meaning of Mellor’s presence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
CRANSTON, R.I. — The candidates for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District offered competing answers on affordability, the war in Iran and artificial intelligence during a debate Friday, while also sparring over their state ties and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Democratic Rep. Seth Magaziner, seeking a third term, said ending the war in Iran, reversing tariffs and restoring health care funding would help reduce costs for Rhode Islanders. He called the war unnecessary.
Republican challenger Vic Mellor, a businessman making his first run for office, blamed Democrats for long-term economic problems and said the United States should continue the conflict. “We need to finish what we started there,” he said.
Magaziner argued Mellor would back President Donald Trump’s policies, which he said are increasing costs. Mellor rejected being characterized as a reliable vote for the president, saying he disagrees with some of Trump’s actions.
The candidates also faced questions about where they live and how well they know the district. Mellor, who grew up in Woonsocket and lived in Florida for decades before returning to Rhode Island last year, pointed to his upbringing as evidence of his connection to the state. Magaziner lives in Providence, outside the district, and said a change in his wife’s job affected the family’s living arrangements. He contrasted his situation with Mellor’s long absence from Rhode Island.
Their sharpest exchange concerned Mellor’s participation in events at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Mellor said he was allowed inside the building and minimized the damage, arguing that lawmakers returned to work that evening. Magaziner called the day shameful and said attempts to diminish what happened were despicable.
Mellor also denied allegations that he assaulted women in the 1990s, saying the charges were dropped after an investigation. Magaziner responded that men should not hit women.
Both candidates said artificial intelligence needs some oversight, but differed on the limits. Mellor warned that strict U.S. rules could leave the country at a disadvantage as other nations develop the technology. Magaziner called for product testing, support for workers displaced by AI and protections against higher energy costs tied to data centers.
Early voting is underway in Rhode Island, with Election Day set for Nov. 3.