Dr. Stephen Skoly Announces Run for Congress in Rhode Island's 2nd District

​After nearly 40 years of practicing oral and maxillofacial surgery in the Ocean State, Dr. Stephen Skoly is stepping out of the operating room and onto the campaign trail. Skoly recently announced his candidacy for Congress in Rhode Island’s 2nd District, driven by a desire to provide what he describes as "new representation" for the state's residents.
In a recent interview with the Rhode Island Wave, Skoly expressed his belief that the current political landscape in Washington and Rhode Island no longer represents the average citizen. “I couldn't take it anymore. Enough is enough,” Skoly stated, emphasizing his commitment to bringing a bipartisan, real-world approach to federal policymaking.
Deep Roots in Rhode Island Healthcare
Skoly, who has lived in East Greenwich for the past 38 years with his wife, Carol, brings a lengthy medical resume to his campaign. Having received his dental license in 1988, he has provided hospital care across the state, including treating vulnerable populations at Eleanor Slater Hospital, Zambarano Hospital, and the Rhode Island Training School. He also provides care for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections and the federal Wyatt Detention Facility.
His medical background began with a general practice residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago—recognized as the nation's first level-one trauma center—and a post-doctoral certificate from the University of Illinois. Locally, he has also consulted for the State Medical Examiner's office, notably assisting during the aftermath of The Station nightclub fire.
Advocacy and the COVID-19 Mandate Controversy
Beyond his medical practice, Skoly has been highly active in local public policy. He recently stepped down as chairman of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity, a conservative public-policy think tank, to focus on his congressional run.
Skoly is perhaps most widely recognized for his public stance against Rhode Island's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. Citing his natural immunity from a prior infection, Skoly declined the vaccine, resulting in an immediate compliance order that temporarily shut down his practice. He fought the mandate in federal court, arguing for the rights of medical professionals, before eventually returning to practice when the mandates were lifted. Looking back, Skoly views the pandemic policies as an example of government overreach and emphasizes the need for health guidelines to evolve alongside scientific data.
A Focus on the Future
As he looks toward Washington, Skoly has identified several critical issues he hopes to address, including the national debt and the long-term funding capabilities of Social Security and Medicare. Acknowledging the complexity of the national fiscal gap, he asserts that finding solutions will require legislators to work across the aisle.
“It's going to take a bipartisan approach to fix some of those big issues,” Skoly noted. “You're not going to do it with the far right or the far left. You need to have a sense of normalcy.”
If elected, Skoly anticipates bringing his extensive background to a healthcare advisory committee, but asserts he is ready to tackle any challenge to serve his constituents. Viewing his campaign as a collective effort, he noted, "I'm not running for Congress; we're running for Congress."
The Rhode Island congressional primary is currently anticipated to take place on September 9th. Residents interested in learning more about his platform or volunteering can visit his campaign website, skolyforcongress.com.