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5/7/2026
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Speaker Shekarchi announces intent to seek appointment to RI Supreme Court
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 STATE HOUSE — Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi announced today that he has submitted an application to the Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission for the position of Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. The vacancy follows the retirement of the Honorable Maureen McKenna Goldberg after a long and distinguished career.
“It has been my great honor to serve the people of Warwick and the State of Rhode Island in my many years as a member of the House of Representatives. After much personal reflection, I have decided to humbly pursue a different path of public service and apply for the opening on the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
“As a candidate for judicial office, I believe it is best to step away from my role as Speaker, effective today, although I will remain a member of the House of Representatives. I will not participate in any political activity related to the upcoming election cycle, including endorsement of any candidates.
“Additionally, I am immediately suspending all fundraising and disbursement activity from my campaign account, except for expenditures necessary to comply with legal filing requirements with the Rhode Island Board of Elections. If I am so fortunate to be confirmed for a position on the Supreme Court, my campaign account will be handled in strict compliance with the law and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
“I wish to thank my constituents, my treasured colleagues, and my dedicated staff for the many years of trust and collaboration as we worked hard together every day on a simple premise to get good things done for the people of Rhode Island. Whatever the next chapter brings, my goal of serving the people of this great state will always remain constant.”
Shekarchi has engaged in the general practice of law for more than 30 years, with a concentration in land use and zoning. His past experience also includes serving as a legal counsel to the Office of the Governor and the Department of Transportation, as well as assistant city solicitor for the City of Warwick. He has represented the Warwick Housing Authority for more than 25 years as its legal counsel.
He is a graduate of Mount St. Charles Academy, Class of 1980, and graduated from Suffolk University in 1984. He returned to Suffolk to earn his law degree in 1990.
Shekarchi is serving his third term as Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, having first been elected by his colleagues to lead the chamber in January 2021. He was previously the House Labor Committee Chairman and House Majority Leader, and has represented District 23 in Warwick since November 2012.
Under his leadership, the House has passed vital policy initiatives that have improved the lives of Rhode Islanders. Shekarchi has been steadfast in the development of measures that encouraged the production of housing, improved the accessibility of healthcare, and spurred economic development.
For more information, contact:
Larry Berman, Communications Director for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 322
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 447-2655
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