September 2014: General Treasurer Gina Raimondo takes 42% of the vote to beat Angel Taveras, Clay Pell and Todd Giroux in the Democratic primary for governor. Raimondo's pension cuts are a major issue, but unions opposed to her split between Taveras and Pell. November 2014: With 41% of the vote, Raimondo defeats Republican Allan Fung and Moderate Robert Healey and is elected the first female governor in Rhode Island history. January 2015: Raimondo is inaugurated. The state has been climbing out of the Great Recession, but unemployment still lags neighbors. February 2015: Raimondo suggests new tolls are needed to fund bridge repair. March 2015: Retired public workers approve a settlement in their challenge to Raimondo's pension overhaul.