News Summary
The special Democratic primary for Rhode Island’s Senate District 4 is set to take place, following the passing of longtime Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. Candidates include Stefano Famiglietti, Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, Lenny Cioe, and Manny Taveras. As early voting concludes, concerns about voter awareness and turnout have been raised. This primary is significant in shaping the political future of the district, which has not had a woman in the Senate seat for decades. Candidates are addressing essential local issues as they seek to engage with constituents.
Providence, Rhode Island – The special Democratic primary for Rhode Island’s Senate District 4 is scheduled for July 8, 2025, following the passing of longtime Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who held the seat for 40 years. The primary will determine the Democratic candidate who will run against Republican Alexander Asermely in the general election set for August 5.
The candidates vying for the Democratic nomination include:
- Stefano Famiglietti: A member of the North Providence Town Council and a practicing attorney.
- Marcia Ranglin-Vassell: A former state representative and educator from Providence.
- Lenny Cioe: A registered nurse with previous unsuccessful attempts to unseat Ruggerio.
- Manny Taveras: An account executive and brother of former Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.
Famiglietti is regarded as the frontrunner, having received notable endorsements, including from the Senate District 4 Democratic committee and Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone. He has also raised over $46,000 for his campaign, significantly outpacing his opponents in fundraising efforts.
As the primary date approaches, early voting commenced on June 18 and concluded on July 7, 2025, with a total of 1,089 ballots cast early. Out of 22,214 registered voters in the district, 19,683 are Democrats or unaffiliated, eligible to participate in the primary election. Polling locations in North Providence include James L. McGuire Elementary School, Dr. Joseph Whelan Elementary School, and Dr. Edward A. Ricci Middle School, while all eligible Providence voters will cast their votes at Veazie Street Elementary School. The city of Providence has budgeted $19,000 to cover costs associated with both the special primary and the general election.
Despite the critical nature of the election, concerns have been raised regarding voter awareness, particularly due to its timing during the summer holiday. Ranglin-Vassell has highlighted the need for increased efforts to inform the community about the electoral process, indicating that many voters are unaware that an election is imminent. Cioe expressed skepticism about the timing, questioning the financial implications involved in holding the primary amid the state’s budget constraints.
Political analysts suggest that voter turnout may be lower than previous years, with estimates indicating only a 5.5% turnout of eligible Democratic voters during the early voting period. Candidates are actively seeking to engage with their constituents, with Famiglietti noting the importance of direct conversations to connect with voters.
The primary is particularly significant given the historical Democratic dominance in the district, which has not witnessed a woman holding the Senate seat for four decades. Ranglin-Vassell emphasized the importance of women’s representation in governance, a sentiment resonating among some voters in the district.
The candidates have presented varied platforms, addressing important local issues. Famiglietti has proposed increased funding for municipal aid, Cioe focuses on enhancements in healthcare services, and Ranglin-Vassell aims to ensure that public transportation is affordable for low-income families.
The outcome of the special Democratic primary not only bears significance for the immediate electoral contest but also holds the potential to reshape the political landscape in Rhode Island’s Senate District 4 for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current: The Heat is On in R.I. Senate District 4
- Providence Journal: R.I. Senate District 4 Democratic Primary Voter Guide
- Boston Globe: R.I. Democratic Primary for Senate District 4
- WPRI: Where They Stand – Democratic Candidates for R.I. Senate District 4
- Uprise RI: Candidates for Senate District 4
- Wikipedia: Political Parties in the United States
- Google Search: Rhode Island Senate District 4
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Democratic Party
- Google News: Rhode Island Elections
