Dennigan

State Rep. Elizabeth “Betsy” Dennigan unexpectedly resigned her General Assembly seat Thursday evening, ending a 13-year career as a state lawmaker to focus on a bid to unseat fellow Democrat, incumbent U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin.

The resignation, announced in a news release just before 6:30 p.m., is effective immediately.

“It has been a privilege to serve the people of my district. I’m grateful for the opportunity they provided me and the confidence they placed in me,” she said. “The best way to honor this gift of trust and support is to make sure my constituents have a full-time representative in the next session. My goal in stepping down today is to allow time for a special election. It’s critical that the 62nd District has the representation it needs and deserves next year.”

Dennigan, who represented East Providence in the State House, recently moved to a summer residence in Narragansett to prepare for the Second Congressional District race against Langevin. She said she preferred to leave the First District and challenge Langevin, because First Congressional District Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy is “more effective.”

Thursday’s announcement included an endorsement by State House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox.

“Betsy’s decision to step down today is testament to her deep commitment to the 62nd District and her ability to put her constituents’ needs before personal interests. Betsy’s leadership, especially on job growth, education and health-care issues, has helped families and communities across Rhode Island. Her experience, passion, and proven ability to forge consensus will be great assets in the Congress,” said Fox. “I fully support her candidacy.”

Despite that backing, Dennigan has acknowledged that she faces an uphill battle.

She is taking on a firmly entrenched Democrat who enjoys a substantial fundraising advantage and has had the support of Rhode Island’s Democratic machine. Before Dennigan had even announced her candidacy in August, state Democratic Party Chairman William J. Lynch issued a statement backing Langevin.

As Dennigan’s focus now turns to Congress, the State House will prepare for its second special election of the year.

Christopher Barnett, spokesman for Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis, said Thursday night it was too early to know whether that election will take place in time for her replacement to be sworn in before the start of the legislative session in January.

“We will work with the Boards of Canvassers in East Providence and Pawtucket to develop an election calendar that is the best combination of ensuring the election will be held at a date that will be conducive to turnout while also ensuring that the residents of Dennigan’s district have representation,” Barnett said.

That election could take place around the Christmas holidays.

Dennigan’s departure leaves a second open seat in the House in recent months, and also on its powerful Finance Committee, of which she was a member. The first vacancy occurred in August after Providence Democrat Thomas C. Slater, died of cancer.

speoples@projo.com