[2] Walsh ran against incumbent Democrat Thomas Palangio after speaking with the Rhode Island state chapter of Jobs with Justice.
[3][6] Walsh drew national attention when she and three other incumbent legislators did not receive the endorsement of the Rhode Island Democratic Party.
[9] Walsh received the endorsement of U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, who represents Rhode Island's 1st congressional district.
[1] In March 2017, her criticism of legislators consuming alcohol on the House floor during session made national headlines.
[16][17] While at the time she walked back some of the comments, "saying she had only been referring to cocktail parties and fundraisers",[16] she later said the fallout was "one of [her] proudest accomplishments, ...that they had to be secret" about drinking in the chamber.