PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Republican who tried to unseat Democratic Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello has conceded defeat.
Steven Frias (FRY’-ahs) announced in a press release on Tuesday that he would not seek to delay certification of the results. A recount in the Cranston district showed Mattiello ahead by 85 votes.
Frias also says in his statement that he accepts the decision by state police last week to close the investigation into his allegations of ballot fraud and voter intimidation. Police said there wasn’t evidence to support the complaint.
Frias says he believes his run made an impact because Mattiello promised during the campaign to phase out the car tax.
Democratic lawmakers had already moved on. They unanimously nominated Mattiello to be speaker again when lawmakers convene in January.
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