Roger Williams University School of Law Hosts WPRI’s Rhode Island Attorney General Debate

BRISTOL, R.I. - The courtroom at Roger Williams University School of Law became a television studio on Aug. 11 as WPRI 12 brought four Democratic candidates for Rhode Island attorney general together for a televised debate.

The hourlong debate took place in the Honorable Bruce M. Selya Appellate Courtroom at RWU Law's Bristol campus. Candidates Kim Ahern L '09, Keith Hoffmann, Jason Knight and Joe Solomon Jr. participated in the debate, which was moderated by WPRI 12 political reporters Tim White and Ted Nesi. The debate aired live on FOX Providence and the WPRI 12+ TV app.

The event gave Rhode Island voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates ahead of the Sept. 9 Democratic primary and brought a statewide political conversation into the academic setting of Rhode Island's only law school.

"Hosting this debate gives the Rhode Island community access to an important conversation about Rhode Island's future and the responsibilities of public leadership," said Gregory W. Bowman, J.D., Dean of Roger Williams University School of Law. "It is also very much a part of who we are at RWU Law. We believe strongly in connecting legal education to public service, civic engagement, and the issues that matter to the communities we serve. For our students, this is a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand how law, public policy, and advocacy come together, and to learn from people who are helping shape Rhode Island's future."

The debate also highlighted the role RWU Law plays in the broader Rhode Island community. By providing its courtroom as the setting for a statewide televised debate, the School of Law connected its academic environment with the civic life of the state.

"Roger Williams University is proud to provide a forum for the candidates for Attorney General for our community to hear directly from those seeking to serve in this important role," said Brian G. Williams, D.M., Interim President of Roger Williams University. "Creating opportunities like this is central to our mission and our commitment to civic engagement. We are so pleased to provide RWU's Bristol campus and our School of Law as a venue in the East Bay for conversations that shape Rhode Island's future. Hosting this debate also reflects the depth and breadth of what RWU offers - and connects our university community with the issues and leaders shaping our state to help us all become better informed and engaged citizens."

The debate also offered viewers a look inside RWU Law's Appellate Courtroom, where students study legal advocacy and observe proceedings as part of their law school experience. For the evening, the courtroom was transformed into a professional broadcast setting, with cameras, lighting and production equipment surrounding the candidates and moderators.

The event was part of WPRI 12's coverage of the 2026 Rhode Island attorney general race. The four candidates participating in the debate are seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed current Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, who is term-limited.

By opening its doors to a statewide televised debate, Roger Williams University School of Law connected students and the broader community with the people and issues shaping Rhode Island's future.Those who missed the live debate can watch the broadcast on the WPRI 12+ TV app.