House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, a potential candidate for governor, and RI Senate President Val Lawson were the first Rhode Island elected officials to respond with a statement. “The decision by Hasbro’s new corporate leadership to transition operations outside of Rhode Island is very disappointing,” they said. “This is a painful reality for the people of Pawtucket, who stood by Hasbro for over a century. We also empathize with the employees of Hasbro whose lives will be forever impacted by this decision.”The longtime Pawtucket mayor said the city assembled what he called a bold and comprehensive offer to keep Hasbro in Rhode Island. “In 2024 alone, Hasbro contributed over $1 million in product and in-kind donations to local Rhode Island organizations, including long-standing partners like Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Rhode Island Special Olympics,” the company said.