Critic of vaccine mandates launches independent bid for governor

A vocal critic of Gov. Dan McKee's vaccine mandate for health care workers said he's running as an independent for governor.

Paul Rianna Jr. is a certified nursing assistant. He organized recent rallies against the state vaccine mandate for health care workers.

"As Governor of Rhode Island, Paul will protect religious freedoms, he will protect our medical freedoms, and support our 2nd amendment rights," a release announcing Rianna's candidacy said.

Rianna said he would create an office of inspector general to eliminate corruption and work with both Democrats and Republicans.

Housing and behavioral health are other issues central to his campaign.

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McKee, a Democrat, has said he will seek his first full term in 2022. The former lieutenant governorbecame governor in March with the resignation of Gov. Gina Raimondo, who took a job in the Biden administration.

Four other Democrats have announced they're seeking the nomination: Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, Dr. Luis Daniel Muñoz, and Matt Brown.

No Republicans have formally entered the race for governor in Rhode Island.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story omitted Muñoz's name. We apologize for the error.