Gov. Lincoln Chafee is joining the Democratic Party ahead of the 2014 campaign season, WJAR.com reported two Democratic officials said Thursday.
Chafee, who won his first term in 2010 as an Independent, served in the U.S. Senate as a Republican but left the GOP in 2007. He has been the country's only Independent governor.
Chafee's staff has so far not confirmed his plan, but it doesn't come as a big surprise to political watchers. Chafee has been saying for months that he was thinking about the switch, and his ideology throughout his career has more closely aligned with Deomcratic ideals. He also publicly supported President Barack Obama and spoke at last year's Democratic National Convention.
The move could make for a crowded race in the Democratic party next year. State Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras are expected to run.
