Jasjit Gotra

Where Gotra stands

What actions will you take to ensure all residents are treated with dignity, civilian’s constitutional rights are protected, and people’s rights to free speech, assembly, and civic participation are not violated during any immigration enforcement activity occurring within our state?

Every person deserves dignity and the protections the Constitution affords them. I would work with the attorney general, law enforcement, and community leaders to establish clear guidance for state agencies during immigration enforcement. That guidance should protect due process, lawful speech, peaceful assembly, and access to complaint procedures while respecting applicable law. Credible allegations of rights violations should be investigated. Public safety should be strengthened through lawful conduct, accountability, and trust—not through treating peaceful civic participation as a threat.

What will you do to combat the underlying issues driving the inflation rate such as the rising costs of housing, childcare, energy, and groceries?

A governor cannot control national inflation, but can address state policies that make essentials more expensive. I would reduce unnecessary housing and permitting barriers, expand local energy supply, and help businesses grow without avoidable administrative costs. I would review obstacles to expanding safe, affordable childcare and support effective efforts to reduce food insecurity. My platform also calls for ending Rhode Island’s tax on Social Security income. Proposals should be judged by actual household savings, service quality, and their full cost to taxpayers.

ENERGY SURPLUS = ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Build enough clean energy that Rhode Island attracts technology investment from manufacturers and AI companies. RI Energy Commerce Zones offer guaranteed power access and state equity participation. Per anchor tenant: $500M–$2B private investment, 500–2,000 construction jobs.

What are the most important challenges facing our state and what do you propose to address them?

Rhode Island needs a lower cost of living, better opportunities for our children, and government that earns public trust. My GRIT platform—Grow Rhode Island Together—focuses on expanding local energy supply, reducing barriers to housing and business growth, strengthening education and workforce skills, and protecting seniors. I want to eliminate the state tax on Social Security income within my first two years. I would publish clear financial reports, hold agencies accountable for results, and direct resources toward services that improve daily life. Leadership means taking responsibility and measuring what works.

What actions will you take to protect the constitutional rights to assemble and peacefully protest?

Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, whether or not I agree with the message. I would direct state agencies to protect lawful assembly, use clear and consistent public-safety rules, and train personnel in de-escalation. Restrictions should be lawful, narrowly applied, and neutral toward different viewpoints. Allegations of misconduct should receive fair, independent review. Protecting people from violence and protecting their freedom to speak must go together.

What actions will you take to uphold the constitutional balance between federal and state authority in the administration of our state‑run elections?

I would uphold the Constitution and applicable election laws, respect the responsibilities of Rhode Island election officials, and work with legal counsel to challenge unlawful interference through the courts. My priorities would be eligible voters’ access, secure election systems, accurate counting, and transparent procedures. State and federal cooperation should remain within lawful authority, with decisions guided by evidence rather than partisan pressure. Public trust requires both reliable safeguards and clear explanations of how elections are administered.

BRIGHTFIELDS RI

Convert Rhode Island's closed landfills and brownfields into utility-scale solar farms. Zero taxpayer cost on Track A — private developers lease the land and pay the municipality $1,000–$3,000/acre/year. Target: 300 MW from 30 sites by 2030.

SOLAR FOR EVERY ROOF

Hawaii on-bill financing model: solar at zero upfront cost, financing attached to the electric meter, transfers automatically when you sell. Expands access to solar for renters, seniors, and low-income households. Target: 10,000 new rooftop installations in Term 1.

EARLY ADOPTER PROTECTION FUND

Three programs: repair grants up to $5,000, legislative protection for existing Interconnection Agreements, and sale assistance for solar-equipped homes.