Who's In the Race

Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) faces Republican challenger Victor Mellor in Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, Nov. 3. An independent candidate is also listed in the race. In an Oct. 7 Ocean State Media interview, Magaziner said Democrats would prioritize lowering the cost of living, ethics reform, and oversight of the Trump administration. ​

Magaziner has represented the district since 2023, following eight years as state treasurer. Mellor is a Marine Corps veteran and Warwick business owner specializing in concrete fabrication, according to the Rhode Island Current's primary voter guide. Magaziner ran unopposed in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary. Mellor defeated Stephen Skoly with approximately 58% in the Republican primary.

What They Stand For

Magaziner supports protecting Social Security and Medicare, reducing prescription-drug and health care costs, expanding affordable coverage, gun-safety legislation, abortion rights and affordable clean energy.

Mellor supports parental authority over children's medical decisions, health care price transparency, reduced taxes and regulations, deporting immigrants he describes as criminals, a pathway to permanent residency for law-abiding immigrants and auditing federal spending.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Magaziner reported approximately $1.38 million in receipts and $1.51 million in cash on hand through Aug. 20. Mellor reported approximately $3.02 million in receipts, including $2.2 million in candidate loans, and $280,000 in cash on hand. His campaign owed approximately $2.18 million.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball and Inside Elections rated the race Solid Democratic as of Sept. 25, Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, respectively. On Kalshi, Democratic victory contracts traded at prices implying a 95.81% probability as of Oct. 8, compared with 4.19% for Republicans.

Magaziner won approximately 50% of the vote in 2022 and 58% in 2024. Democrats won both Rhode Island House seats in both elections. Kamala Harris carried the state with approximately 56% in the 2024 presidential election.

The Oct. 4 voter registration deadline has passed. Mail-ballot applications are due Oct. 13. Early voting runs Oct. 14-Nov. 2, ending at 4 p.m. Polls are open Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., except in New Shoreham, where they open at 9 a.m.

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