Senate Hopefuls Emerge in District 4 Following Senator Ruggerio's Passing
NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPFI) — Although most of the state’s political activities this week focused on Rhode Island Senate leadership roles following the developments, Passing of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio Additionally, the competition to claim his recently vacated District 4 position is starting to come into focus.
Already two individuals have declared their intention to run publicly for the position: North Providence Town Council President Dino Autiello and District 2 Town Councilman Stefano Famiglietti. Additionally, several other names are circulating as possible contenders, with preliminary discussions underway to assess enthusiasm and backing among supporters.
Parts of North Providence and Providence are represented by District 4.
Ruggerio, who passed away on Monday following an extended struggle against cancer and various ailments, has been holding the position since 1985. It’s expected that a special election will take place sometime during late summer or early autumn. (According to a spokesperson from the Rhode Island Board of Elections, a meeting to address this issue is provisionally set for May 6th.)
Initially, Autiello told 12 News at the beginning of the week that he wouldn't comment on his potential run until after Ruggerio’s funeral, which was set for Monday. However, he reversed his decision on Friday and stated, "I'm going to think about it."
Autiello, who is 42 years old, has served on the Town Council for 15 years, with 11 of those years being as the council president. Presently, he works as the director of government relations at the URI Foundation. Autiello mentioned that he will make his decision within the coming two weeks about whether to run, noting that if he does, his platform would focus on economic issues, the state budget, and the impact of legislation on municipalities and urban areas.
Famiglietti, who is 33 years old, has served on the council for six years and works as a lawyer, having recently established his own practice. Additionally, he heads the North Providence Democratic Town Committee.
“It’s something that I would consider doing, especially given my involvement in North Providence,” Famiglietti said, adding that campaigning is not his priority right now as he mourns the life of Ruggerio.
Autiello said he plans to sit down with Famiglietti in the coming weeks to discuss the special election. Famiglietti said the two “are very close,” both “share the same vision” and will be “on the same page when the time comes.”
Both Autiello and Famiglietti emphasized they want to see someone with close ties to North Providence represent the seat since a large portion of the district is in that town.
Famiglietti mentioned that he hasn't set a timetable for when he will reach a conclusion about his run.
Other possible contenders might be Lenny Cioe, a nurse who previously failed three times in challenging Ruggerio, as well as former Providence state Representative Marcia Ranglin-Vassell and Rhode Island Democratic Party National Committeewoman Nicole Verdi.
Verdi informed 12 News that she’s "still coming to terms with the loss" of Ruggerio, who was very significant to her.
Out of reverence for his legacy, I am not prepared to openly talk about or think through any choices regarding District 4," Verdi stated. "Once the appropriate moment arrives, I will contemplate and then decide as necessary.
Cioe offered a similar sentiment, saying although he and Ruggerio had political differences, “I still think we should allow his family the respect they deserve.”
“When the process is done, I will let you know what my intentions are,” Cioe added.
Ranglin-Vassell also mentioned that she was still grieving the loss of her friend and hadn't really thought through whether she would be keen on the role.
Cioe lives in North Providence, whereas Ranglin-Vassell and Verdi reside in Providence.
Not a single Republican or independent has openly shown interest in contesting for the position.
Meanwhile, at the State House, Ruggerio’s death has separately sparked a contested race for new Senate leadership.
Currently, the contest is pitting a team of Majority Leader Val Lawson, D-East Providence, and Labor Committee Chairman Frank Ciccone, D-Providence, against former Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, D-Cumberland.
Senators need a majority vote from all members to garner leadership positions.
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