Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

American politician

Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung
Fenton-Fung in 2016

Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 15th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 5, 2021
Preceded by	Nicholas Mattiello

Personal details
Born	Barbara Ann Fenton (1980-12-10) December 10, 1980 (age 43) Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Allan Fung (m. 2016)
Education	Northeastern University (BS, MS) Arkansas State University (MS)

Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (born December 10, 1980)^[1] is an American politician serving 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.

Early life and education

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 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 announced she was running in the Cranston mayoral race with intention to primary Republican incumbent Kenneth Hopkins.^[9]

Personal life

Fenton-Fung met Allan Fung at the 2012 Republican National Convention. They married at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island, in 2016.^[10]

References

^ "Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung". www.rilegislature.gov. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Katherine Gregg (February 24, 2020). "Middletown native Fenton-Fung to challenge Mattiello in Cranston House district – News – The Newport Daily News". Newport, RI. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Anderson, Patrick. "Fenton-Fung to challenge Mattiello in Cranston House district". providencejournal.com.
^ "Five Things To Know About Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung's Challenge To Speaker Mattiello". The Public's Radio. February 25, 2020.
^ Meg Fraser (May 30, 2013). "Rhody Young Republicans break the mold". Johnston Sun Rise. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
^ "NEWS: One woman aims to change the face of RI's Young Republicans". WPRO. April 22, 2013.
^ "Political Scene: Mattiello v. Fenton-Fung a House race with implications that go beyond Cranston". Providencejournal.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
^ Associated, The (November 3, 2020). "Republican Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung ousts House speaker in Rhode Island". Boston.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
^ Anderson, Patrick (January 30, 2024). "The most exciting race in Rhode Island this year might be for Cranston mayor. What to know". The Providence Journal. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
^ Kennedy, Meri R. "Wedding day nears for Fenton, Fung | Cranston Herald". Cranstononline.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.