Special Election Set for Senate District 4 in Rhode Island

News Summary

Following the death of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, a special election will be held in Rhode Island’s Senate District 4. The primary is scheduled for July 8, 2025, and the general election on August 5, 2025. Candidates, including Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, are beginning to announce their intentions to run. Voter registration deadlines are approaching, and early voting will be held from June 18 to July 7, 2025. This election will provide an opportunity for new leadership in the district.

Providence, Rhode Island – A special election is set to occur in Senate District 4 following the death of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. The Rhode Island Board of Elections has approved a timeline for the election, which will include a primary on July 8, 2025, and a general election on August 5, 2025. This follows the announcement of Ruggerio’s passing on April 21, 2025, after a battle with cancer and other health issues.

Ruggerio, a Democrat, served as a state senator for the district since 1985, representing areas in both Providence and North Providence. His long tenure in office has left a significant impact on the local community, and his death has created an opening for new leadership in the district.

The candidate declaration period for the special election will take place from May 29 to May 30, 2025. Individuals interested in running for the seat must collect at least 100 signatures from registered voters in the district by June 10, 2025, to be eligible for the ballot. Eligible voters wishing to participate in the primary election must register by June 8, while those aiming to vote in the general election have until July 6 to register.

As of now, former state Representative Marcia Ranglin-Vassell has announced her candidacy for the position. In her campaign materials, she emphasized the importance of having a senator who is experienced and compassionate regarding the needs of constituents. Ranglin-Vassell is among the first candidates to declare and is likely to be a prominent figure in the upcoming election.

Other potential candidates mention interest in the race, including Dino Autiello, the North Providence Town Council President, and Councilman Stefano Famiglietti. Both are reportedly discussing the possibility of a joint decision regarding their candidacy. In addition, Lenny Cioe, a nurse and a former candidate who previously challenged Ruggerio in primary elections, is also considering entering the race, contributing to a potentially competitive field.

Currently, there are no declared Republican candidates for the Senate District 4 seat. The political landscape in this district is noteworthy, as voter registration shows a balance between Democrats and independents: 45% of registered voters are Democrats, while 44% identify as independents. The Republican registration makes up only 11% of the voter base, indicating a competitive and politically diverse environment.

As the election dates approach, early voting is scheduled to commence on June 18 and run through July 7, 2025. The elected senator will serve a two-year term, with a salary of $19,817 per year, consistent with the compensation for state lawmakers in Rhode Island.

This special election not only holds significance for the constituents of District 4 but also underscores the ongoing political dynamics within Rhode Island. With candidates beginning to emerge and the election timeline clearly outlined, voters have the opportunity to engage in a critical decision that will shape their local governance.

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Additional Resources

• Rhode Island Current
• Patch
• Providence Journal
• Boston Globe
• New York Times
• Wikipedia: Special Election