NOMINATE NOW
Nominations are now open!
Join us in celebrating the contributions and achievements of people who help promote the Republican Party of RI ideals and good government.
Who deserves an award?
The awards recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations who promote Republican principles, candidates and initiatives throughout the Ocean State.
Nominate someone!
Please take the time to nominate a friend, colleague, legislator, business, organization or volunteer who deserves to be celebrated! We are encouraging nominations of individuals or organizations whose accomplishments have yet to be publicly acknowledged. The Hall of Fame nominees would be the exception to this suggestion.
Nominate Early!
In order to encourage and increase the number of nominations, we are offering an early bird deadline for nomination submissions. Nominators who submit all required forms and nomination information by midnight July 7, 2023 will be entered into a draw for a free ticket to the Awards Gala. Good luck to all the early birds!
Nominations are now open!
Final Nomination Deadline: Midnight August 4, 2023
Click Here for Nomination Form
The Awards
Honors movers and shakers in the community, business and government who promote the mission and ideals of the Republican Party of RI :
RI GOP Hall of Fame Inductee (1) – Lifetime Achievement:
Rhode Island GOP’s highest award was established in 2016 to recognize the men and women who contributed their talents and energies to the betterment of our citizens across the state as members of the Republican Party. This award honors Republicans that served our state with honesty, integrity and compassion. Throughout their years of service, they have been associated with principles that enhance Rhode Island and create opportunities for all its people. Their service has been a credit to the Party and their efforts are worthy of recognition.
Nominees are welcome from all sectors of public service and must be a registered Republican. Former elected officials must be retired from their positions for a minimum of four years to be considered.
Past Recipients Include:
Lincoln Almond – Governor and State Attorney; John H. Chafee Governor- Governor and US Senator; Susan Farmer – Secretary of State / First woman elected to statewide office; Bradford Gorham – RI House Minority Leader, State Chair, Candidate; Nancy Mayer – Two terms State Treasurer, modernized RI cash pension system; J. William Middendorf –Ambassador; Eileen Slocum – RI National Committee Woman; Arlene Violet – First female Attorney General in the United States; Fred Lippett – House Minority Leader; Ron Machtley – US Congressman; Norma Willis – Republican Party of RI Chair; Lila Sapinsley – RI Senate Minority Leader, Martha Stamp – Founding member of the South County Breakfast Meeting; Mary Ross – First woman of color to serve in the RI House of Representatives, and Halsey Herreshoff – Bristol Town Administrator and member of the Town Council; Mahlon Van Horne– RI’s first black state legislator; Aram Pothier –Governor (Immigrant), Bank President, Businessman.
Constituent Whisperer Award (3 max):
Recognizes model local legislators / staff who go above and beyond to advocate for and respond to constituent concerns.
Past recipients:
The Honorable Anthony Giarrusso, The Honorable Michael Chippendale, Bristol Town Clerk Lou Cirillo.
Oliver Hazard Perry “Never Give Up the Ship” Award (1):
Recognizes the efforts of an individual or group who are committed to a specific ideal and have continued their efforts year in and year out to promote legislation, attend rallies, work with legislators, etc. on behalf of their cause.
Past recipients:
Ken Block, 2nd Amendment Advocates Community.
Needle Mover Award (1):
Recognizes an individual whose compelling efforts help to promote Republican ideals, policies and candidates.
Past recipients:
Jim McGuire, LeeAnn Sennick, Steve Frias.
High Five Award (1):
Recognizes an individual who gives their time and talent to volunteer in support of a candidate or cause.
Past recipients:
Sandy Winslow, Marion O’Brien, Mark Dosdourian, Katherine MacCall.
Samuel Slater Eye on Innovation Award (1):
Legislator who demonstrates collaborative and new thinking. An individual who challenges status quo and advances new initiatives/policies to better RI and good government. Celebrates those who do things in an innovative fashion with fantastic results.
Past recipient: Caswell Cooke, The Honorable Blake Filippi.
Crushing It Award (1):
Recognizes a Young Republican and their efforts to communicate and expand GOP policies and principles.
Past recipients:
Matthew Martinez, The Honorable Nicole Renzulli
Shoe Leather Award (1):
Recognizes an individual who provided choice on the ballot – throwing their name in consideration for elected office in an effort to raise community dialogue and offer accountability for the legislative role.
Past recipients:
The Honorable Robert Flanders, The Honorable Doreen Costa, The Honorable Brian Rea.