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.
Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Fenton-Fung in 2016 | |
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 15th district | |
| Assumed office January 5, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Nicholas Mattiello |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Barbara Ann Fenton December 10, 1980 Newport, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Education | Northeastern University (BS, MS) Arkansas State University (MS) |
Early life and education
editFenton-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
editAfter earning her master's degree in physical therapy, Fenton-Fung joined Rhode Island Hospital.[3][4] She later became involved in Republican Party politics and 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.[2][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 ran in the Cranston mayoral race with intention to primary Republican incumbent Kenneth Hopkins.[9] Hopkins ultimately won the nomination.[10]
Personal life
editFenton-Fung met Allan Fung at the 2012 Republican National Convention. They married at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island, in 2016.[11]
References
edit- ^ "Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung". www.rilegislature.gov. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
- ^ a b Katherine Gregg (February 24, 2020). "Middletown native Fenton-Fung to challenge Mattiello in Cranston House district – News – The Newport Daily News". Newport, RI. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ a b Anderson, Patrick. "Fenton-Fung to challenge Mattiello in Cranston House district". providencejournal.com.
- ^ "Five Things To Know About Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung's Challenge To Speaker Mattiello". The Public's Radio. February 25, 2020.
- ^ Meg Fraser (May 30, 2013). "Rhody Young Republicans break the mold". Johnston Sun Rise. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ "NEWS: One woman aims to change the face of RI's Young Republicans". WPRO. April 22, 2013.
- ^ "Political Scene: Mattiello v. Fenton-Fung a House race with implications that go beyond Cranston". Providencejournal.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Associated, The (November 3, 2020). "Republican Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung ousts House speaker in Rhode Island". Boston.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Anderson, Patrick (January 30, 2024). "The most exciting race in Rhode Island this year might be for Cranston mayor. What to know". The Providence Journal. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ Farzan, Antonia Noori (September 10, 2024). "Cranston mayoral primary results: Hopkins wins Republican nomination over Fenton-Fung". The Providence Journal. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
- ^ Kennedy, Meri R. "Wedding day nears for Fenton, Fung | Cranston Herald". Cranstononline.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.