Copyright The Boston Globe
“Serving the state in this capacity has been a privilege,” Ahern said in the statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together in such a short time, and I look forward to continuing to serve Rhode Island in new ways in the future.” Ahern, 41, a Providence Democrat, had previously confirmed that she is “strongly considering” running for attorney general next year. Ahern would be jumping into a Democratic primary that already includes Keith Hoffmann, a Providence Democrat who was chief of policy and senior counsel for Attorney General Peter F. Neronha’s office, and state Representative Jason Knight, a Barrington Democrat who was the House sponsor of the 2025 law banning the sale, purchase, and manufacture of assault-style weapons. Also, state Representative Joseph J. Solomon Jr., a Warwick Democrat, has said he is “strongly considering” running for attorney general. And Charles “Chas” Calenda, a Republican on the West Greenwich Town Council, has said he is considering a run for attorney general again after losing to Neronha in 2022. Neronha, a Jamestown Democrat, is term limited and has said he will not run for governor in 2026. In 2022, the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to make Rhode Island the 19th state to legalize recreational marijuana. McKee’s statement noted that during Ahern’s tenure commission developed Rhode Island’s first set of adult-use cannabis regulations, launched the state’s Social Equity Applicant Certification process, and opened the inaugural Adult-Use Cannabis Retail License Application period for all license types, including social equity applicants and worker cooperatives. “I want to thank Kim for her leadership during a crucial time in Rhode Island’s implementation of adult-use cannabis,” McKee said in the statement. “She helped stand up the commission from the ground up and ensured that Rhode Island’s cannabis industry was launched with public health, safety, and fairness as priorities.” Ahern was previously McKee’s deputy chief of staff, and she was deputy counsel for former Governor Gina M. Raimondo. She worked as a special assistant attorney general for nine years, serving under three attorneys general: Neronha, Peter Kilmartin, and Patrick Lynch. And she was a Democratic Party delegate for Barack Obama in 2008. Ahern has a bachelor’s degree from Providence College and a law degree from the Roger Williams University School of Law. Ahern has not created a campaign account. Michelle A. Reddish, the administrator of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office, said, “Chairperson Ahern’s leadership has been defined by collaboration and a steadfast commitment to equity and excellence. Her work has positioned the Commission and the Office for continued progress and success.” The state will begin the process of identifying Ahern’s successor. Meanwhile, the commission will continue under the leadership of Commissioners Layi Oduyingbo and Robert Jacquard, along with Reddish and the Cannabis Office. In a statement, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat, said, “I thank Kim Ahern for setting a high standard for public service and collaboration. Her work has positioned the Cannabis Commission for long-term success as we continue to strengthen this emerging industry.” Senate President Valarie J. Lawson, an East Providence Democrat, said, “The Senate extends its gratitude to Chairperson Ahern for her dedication to fairness and thoughtful regulation. Her contributions will have a lasting impact on Rhode Island’s cannabis program.”
