EXCLUSIVE — Republican Rhode Island congressional nominee Victor Mellor said Monday in comments to the Washington Examiner that he does not plan to remain a foreign agent for Cuba if elected to the House.

The MAGA candidate drew attention and criticism over federal disclosure records showing he has partnered with the communist government on “improving Cuban-American relations” through media-related projects. Mellor said he has only spoken with Cuban officials to foster “peace” and would “absolutely” pull out of the partnership if elected, as federal law bars sitting members of Congress from being registered foreign agents.