Despite the COVID-19 pandemic requiring social distancing, Warwick City Council Candidate Vinny Gebhart has held outdoors, masked and distanced campaign events.

On Tuesday August 11, Gebhart held a fundraiser at a Kay Ice’s Cream truck, decorated for Gebhart’s campaign. His wife served visitors treats from the truck, while Gebhart biked ahead to welcome nearby residents. The group handed out over 150 frozen treats, according to a press release from Gebhart’s campaign.

One week later, Gebhart hosted a fundraiser at Huck's Filling Station. According to the press release, the campaign pre-sold tickets, held the event outdoors and worked together with the restaurant to make sure the event was safe and met social distancing guidelines. The press release described the event as a success, and said that many local residents attended alongside several state senators, representatives and Warwick City Council members.

“Campaigning right now is all about safety and problem solving,” Gebhart said in a press release. “If I can show voters safe and innovative ways to connect with them now, then they can expect the same creativity when I’m elected to Warwick City Council."

Gebhart faces progressive Zach Colon in the Democratic primary Sept. 8. If he wins the primary, Gebhart will face Republican Armand Lusi and independents Aaron Mackisey and Sean Henry. Gebhart has been endorsed by the Ward 9 Democratic Committee.