The 1st district is located in eastern Rhode Island and includes all of Bristol and Newport counties, along with parts of Providence County, including most of the city of Providence. Incumbent Democrat David Cicilline, who had represented the district since 2011, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 53% of the vote in 2012 and the district had a PVI of D+15.
The 2nd district is located in southern and western Rhode Island and includes all of Kent and Washington counties, along with parts of Providence County, including the city of Cranston and parts of the city of Providence. Incumbent Democrat James Langevin, who had represented the district since 2001, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 56% of the vote in 2012 and the district had a PVI of D+8.
Mark Zaccaria, a former chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, attempted to convince a dozen Republicans to run, all of whom turned him down. Ultimately, house contractor and casino worker Rhue Reis was the only person to file for the nomination.[9]