Joe Shekarchi made it official that he is seeking reelection in a statement embargoed  for release today which includes a photo of him on a summer day, dressed in shorts and walking Conimicut Beach with his dog, Merlin..

In stark contrast to conventional announcements with use of the candidate’s full name – K. Joseph Shekarchi – only “Joe” is used throughout the release.

For members of the media and those who use his cell phone, it should not be a surprise. When he’s not able to pick up a call, his phone is answered simply with “Joe.”

The abrupt and time saving touch may be offensive to some, but it’s reflective of Joe’s “let’s get down to business” manner. It’s also folksy.

It’s no wonder Joe is one of the most successful fundraisers on the political track. On Jan. 17, soon after the start of the 2024 session of the General Assembly, Joe held a fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza. Tickets were $200 and an estimated 500 attended. As of Sept. 30, 2023 his campaign war chest was $2.2 million.

While Joe has been elected Speaker of the House by his colleagues in 2021 and 2023, a post often called the most powerful in the state, he pays close attention to the roots of his political strength – his constituents. In the 2022 election he faced both a Democratic primary and a Republican challenger. Joe walked District 23 twice and won handily.

In his announcement he writes, “Representing my hometown of Warwick is truly the honor of a lifetime, and I’m very excited to continue the great work we’ve started: making housing more affordable, building an economy that creates good-paying private sector jobs, increasing access to educational opportunities, and continuing to lead the way in environmental and climate protections.”

And in classical form the release goes on to say, “Joe has been the driving force behind historic investments in housing, spearheading the investment of more than $350 million in housing initiatives. He also sponsored and supported legislative efforts to cut red tape and streamline the process for housing production.”

The announcement cites his oversight of four balanced, bipartisan budgets with no new tax increases and his work for permanent elimination of the car tax; widespread exemption in the tangible tax, which wiped out the tax for 75% of Rhode Island small businesses; reducing the tax burden on seniors by exempting more retirement income from state taxation; and eliminating all state income taxes on military pensions.

Getting back to his roots, the release quotes him, “Most importantly, the taxpayers of District 23 and the city of Warwick are my primary concern. I remain committed to always protecting and representing their best interests.” said Joe. He notes additional aid for Warwick schools, local roads and other vital services.

“I am optimistic that by continuing to bring people together, listening to their ideas, and avoiding bitter partisanship, we’re going to continue the momentum we have created together,” he says.

In a call yesterday morning, Joe said it feels like he hasn’t stopped campaigning. He’ll be walking the district of roughly 14,000 residents and will continue to be active in the community.

Asked what was the intent of using “Joe” throughout the release, he answered, “I am Joe.”