Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung Explained

Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung
Birth Date: December 10, 1980
Birth Place:Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.
State House:Rhode Island
District:15th
Term Start:January 5, 2021
Predecessor:Nicholas Mattiello
Birth Name:Barbara Ann Fenton
Party:Republican
Education:Northeastern University (BS, MS)
Arkansas State University (MS)

Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (born December 10, 1980)[1] is an American politician serving as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the 15th district. Elected in November 2020, she assumed office on January 5, 2021.

Early life and education

Fenton-Fung was born in Newport, Rhode Island, and was raised in Middletown. She graduated from Middletown High School in 1998 and Northeastern University,[2] where she was valedictorian of the Bouvé College of Health Sciences. She later earned a Master of Science in physical therapy from Northeastern University. Fenton-Fung has also earned a master's degree in digital media management from Arkansas State University and obtained a certificate in emergency management from Auburn University.[3]

Career

After earning her master's degree in physical therapy, Fenton-Fung joined Rhode Island Hospital.[4] She later became involved in Republican Party politics was president of the Rhode Island Young Republicans.[5] [6]

In the 2020 elections, Fenton-Fung ran for the District 15 seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives against Nicholas Mattiello, the speaker of the state house.[7] She defeated Mattiello by 18 points in the general election, and became the first Rhode Islander to defeat a sitting Speaker in 114 years. She is also the first woman to ever represent the district.[8]

In the 2022 election, Fenton-Fung was challenged in the Republican primary. She was victorious over Suzanne Downing, winning over 92% of the vote. Fenton-Fung was unopposed in the general election.

In January 2024, Fenton-Fung announced she was running in the Cranston mayoral race with intention to primary Republican incumbent Kenneth Hopkins.[9]

Personal life

Fenton-Fung met Allan Fung at the 2012 Republican National Convention. They married at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island, in 2016.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung . 2022-07-11 . www.rilegislature.gov.
  2. Web site: Katherine Gregg . Middletown native Fenton-Fung to challenge Mattiello in Cranston House district – News – The Newport Daily News . Newport, RI . February 24, 2020 . November 18, 2020.
  3. Web site: Anderson . Patrick . Fenton-Fung to challenge Mattiello in Cranston House district . providencejournal.com.
  4. Web site: February 25, 2020 . Five Things To Know About Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung's Challenge To Speaker Mattiello . The Public's Radio.
  5. Web site: Meg Fraser . Rhody Young Republicans break the mold . Johnston Sun Rise . May 30, 2013 . November 18, 2020.
  6. Web site: NEWS: One woman aims to change the face of RI's Young Republicans. April 22, 2013. WPRO.
  7. Web site: Political Scene: Mattiello v. Fenton-Fung a House race with implications that go beyond Cranston . Providencejournal.com . November 18, 2020.
  8. Web site: Associated . The . Republican Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung ousts House speaker in Rhode Island . Boston.com . November 3, 2020 . November 18, 2020.
  9. Web site: Anderson. Patrick. The most exciting race in Rhode Island this year might be for Cranston mayor. What to know.. The Providence Journal. 2024-02-02. 2024-01-30.
  10. Web site: Kennedy . Meri R. . Wedding day nears for Fenton, Fung | Cranston Herald . Cranstononline.com . November 18, 2020.