East Side Trailblazers Endorse Kim Ahern for Attorney General

Former Senators Myrth York and Rhoda Perry and former Representative Linda Kushner join Representative Edith Ajello in backing Ahern’s campaign

August 6, 2026 (PROVIDENCE, RI) — Three former legislators from the East Side of Providence today endorsed Kim Ahern for Attorney General, joining current Rep. Edith Ajello to form a powerful group of trailblazing women from this community backing Ahern. Today’s endorsements include former Senator and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Myrth York, former Senator Rhoda Perry, and former Representative Linda Kushner.

“I’m proud to support Kim Ahern for Attorney General because Rhode Island needs a leader who will fight for everyone, not powerful special interests,” said former Sen. Myrth York. “Having spent my career working to strengthen government accountability and protect Rhode Islanders from abuses of power, I know how important it is to have an Attorney General who isn’t afraid to take on tough fights. Kim has spent her career delivering results, standing up for Rhode Islanders, and making government work better for the public. She’ll bring integrity, experience, and a deep commitment to accountability to the office, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership this moment demands.”

“Kim is the right choice for Attorney General because she understands that protecting people’s rights requires both conviction and action,” said former Sen. Rhoda Perry. “I was proud to help lead the fight for marriage equality in Rhode Island, and Kim was right there fighting alongside us. At a time when hard-won freedoms are under attack across the country, Rhode Islanders need an Attorney General who will defend our fundamental rights, safeguard reproductive freedom, and stand up for all of us. Kim has the experience, values, and determination to get it done.”

“Throughout my career, I fought to expand opportunity and fairness for Rhode Islanders, from protecting access to health insurance for women rebuilding their lives after divorce to leading the long fight to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation,” said former Rep. Linda Kushner. “Real progress requires persistence, courage, and a willingness to stand up for what’s right even when it’s difficult. Kim Ahern has those qualities. She is a proven public servant who will be a strong Attorney General and a champion for justice for all Rhode Islanders.”

“I am honored to have the support of these four trailblazing women who have spent their careers fighting the good fights and making Rhode Island a more just, fair, and inclusive place,” said Kim Ahern. “Whether advancing LGBTQ+ rights, protecting consumers and taxpayers, strengthening government accountability, or securing marriage equality, they never stopped pushing for progress. Their courage, persistence, and commitment to public service have inspired generations of Rhode Islanders, including me. I am proud to have their support and will carry their spirit of determination and service with me as Attorney General.”

Senators York and Perry and Representative Kushner join a growing list of people and organizations who have endorsed Kim Ahern’s campaign for Attorney General, including:

• State Representative Edith Ajello

• Former State Senator Donna Nesselbush

• Former Rhode Island Attorney General Jeff Pine

• Charlestown Democratic Town Committee

• Narragansett Democratic Town Committee

• Scituate Democratic Town Committee

• Burrillville Democratic Town Committee

• Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp

• Woonsocket Democratic City Committee

• Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, Jr.

• Johnston Democratic Town Committee

• United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP)

• Ironworkers Local 37

• EMILYs List

• Vote Mama PAC

• Victory Fund

• LPAC

• Former Governor and DNC Chair Howard Dean

Kim Ahern has served as Special Assistant Attorney General under Rhode Island’s past three attorneys general, where she prosecuted over 1,000 cases and brought justice to hundreds of victims. She also served as legal counsel to the past two governors and as the state’s first Chair of the Cannabis Control Commission. Kim lives in Providence with her wife Jenna and their three daughters.