Christopher Blazejewski

Chris Blazejewski
Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office
May 7, 2026
Preceded byJoe Shekarchi
Majority Leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives
In office
January 5, 2021 – May 7, 2026
Preceded byJoe Shekarchi
Succeeded byKatherine Kazarian
Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives
from the 2nd district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 4, 2011
Preceded byDavid Segal
Personal details
Born (1979-12-03) December 3, 1979 (age 46)
PartyDemocratic
SpouseAmi Gada
Children2
EducationHarvard University (BA, JD)
WebsiteOfficial website

Christopher R. Blazejewski (born December 3, 1979) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives since May 7, 2026. Blazejewski was first elected to the Rhode Island legislature from District 2 in January 2011. He served as deputy whip until 2021 when he was elected majority leader. Blazejewski is a progressive Democrat.

Early life and education

Blazejewski was raised in Cumberland, Rhode Island and attended Cumberland High School. He graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor's degree in 2002. While an undergraduate, he wrote for The Harvard Crimson. Blazejewski obtained his JD from Harvard Law School.

Career

Blazejewski first ran for the Rhode Island House of Representatives from District 2, after David Segal ran for United States House of Representatives in Rhode Island's 1st congressional district. In the Democratic primary on September 23, 2010, Shekarchi won 1,029 votes (71.7%) before defeating independent candidate Richard Rodi in the general election on November 2, 2010. He was deputy whip until 2021, when he became Majority Leader.

After House Speaker Joe Shekarchi announced his resignation on May 7, 2026, to apply for a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, Blazejewski was elected 65-10 to serve as the next speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. He was succeeded as Majority Leader by Katherine Kazarian.

As of 2026, Blazejewski is a partner at the Boston-based law firm Sherin and Lodgen.

Personal life

Blazejewski and his wife Ami live in Providence. They have two children.

References

  1. ↑ "Christopher Blazejewski's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  2. ↑ Anderson, Patrick. "Rep. Chris Blazejewski ascends as new RI House speaker". The Providence Journal. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Representative Christopher Blazejewski". Providence, Rhode Island: Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  4. ↑ Gregg, Katherine (November 22, 2020). "Political Scene: From Cumberland to Harvard to heights of RI political power". Providence Journal.
  5. ↑ "Christopher R. Blazejewski | Writer Page | The Harvard Crimson". www.thecrimson.com. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  6. ↑ Gregg, Katherine. "Political Scene: From Cumberland to Harvard to heights of RI political power". The Providence Journal. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  7. ↑ "2010 Statewide Primary, Representative in General Assembly District 2". Providence, Rhode Island: Secretary of State of Rhode Island. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  8. ↑ "2010 General Election, Representative in General Assembly District 2". Providence, Rhode Island: Secretary of State of Rhode Island. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  9. ↑ "State of Rhode Island General Assembly". www.rilegislature.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Blazejewski wins lopsided vote to become new R.I. House speaker". Ocean State Media. May 7, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Christopher R. Blazejewski". Sherin and Lodgen. Retrieved May 8, 2026.