Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung
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December 10, 1980
Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Fenton-Fung in 2016 | |
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 15th district | |
| In office January 5, 2021 – January 7, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Nicholas Mattiello |
| Succeeded by | Christopher Paplauskas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Barbara Ann Fenton December 10, 1980 Newport, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Education | Northeastern University (BS, MS) Arkansas State University (MS) |
Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (born December 10, 1980)[1] is an American politician who served as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the 15th district. Elected in November 2020, she assumed office on January 5, 2021.
Fenton-Fung was born in Newport, Rhode Island, and was raised in Middletown. She graduated from Middletown High School in 1998 and Northeastern University,[2] where she was valedictorian of the Bouvé College of Health Sciences. She later earned a Master of Science in physical therapy from Northeastern University. Fenton-Fung has also earned a master's degree in digital media management from Arkansas State University and obtained a certificate in emergency management from Auburn University.[3]
Career
After earning her master's degree in physical therapy, Fenton-Fung joined Rhode Island Hospital.[3][4] She later became involved in Republican Party politics and was president of the Rhode Island Young Republicans.[5][6]
In the 2020 elections, Fenton-Fung ran for the District 15 seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives against Nicholas Mattiello, the speaker of the state house.[2][7] She defeated Mattiello by 18 points in the general election, and became the first Rhode Islander to defeat a sitting Speaker in 114 years. She is also the first woman to ever represent the district.[8]
In the 2022 election, Fenton-Fung was challenged in the Republican primary. She was victorious over Suzanne Downing, winning over 92% of the vote. Fenton-Fung was unopposed in the general election.
In January 2024, Fenton-Fung ran in the Cranston mayoral race with intention to primary Republican incumbent Kenneth Hopkins.[9] Hopkins ultimately won the nomination.[10]