Rep. David Cicilline won the Democratic primary tonight in his bid for re-election in Rhode Island’s 1st district.

Businessman Anthony Gemma challenged him for the party nomination. At the time the Associated Press called the race, Cicilline was beating Gemma by a 2-1 margin, 62 percent to 31 percent.

There will be no time for the Cicilline campaign to celebrate. Because of major budget shortfalls revealed shortly after he left office as Providence mayor, Cicilline has struggled in what should be a safely Democratic seat.

He will face former Rhode Island State Police Colonel Brendan Doherty in November.

It has been known for months that Cicilline is in general election trouble. But in recent weeks, state and national Democrats have begun to express more confidence in his campaign. The Gemma primary challenge probably helped organize and position Cicilline for his matchup with Doherty.

Roll Call rates this race as a Tossup.