PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Political newcomer Marcia Ranglin-Vassell has won the Democratic primary in R.I. House District 5, WPRI 12 projects.

Ranglin-Vassell defeated House Majority Leader John DeSimone.

Although Ranglin-Vassell was a first-time candidate and DeSimone has served in the House since 1993, the race took on a high profile as Ranglin-Vassell picked up the endorsement of the state’s Progressive Democrats. DeSimone, who became majority leader in 2013, was dogged by his friendship with outgoing Rep. John Carnevale, who is leaving office after a Target 12 investigation raised questions about whether he lived in the district he represents.

The two candidates debated during a taping of WPRI 12’s Newsmakers earlier this month.

Ranglin-Vassell will now take on Republican Roland Lavallee in the November election.