Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung | |
---|---|
![]() Fenton-Fung in 2016 | |
Member of the
Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 15th district | |
Assumed office January 5, 2021 | |
Preceded by | Nicholas Mattiello |
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 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.
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]
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]
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]