In a decisive victory, Democrat Stefano Famiglietti has won the special election for Rhode Island Senate District 4, succeeding the late Dominick Ruggerio. Famiglietti secured an impressive 83% of the vote, easily defeating Republican opponent Alex Asermely, who garnered only 16%, according to unofficial results from the state Board of Elections.
This win not only reinforces Democratic control of the district, which has been represented by Ruggerio since 1984 but also highlights the strength of the Democratic Party in the area. Famiglietti, who previously served on the North Providence Town Council, demonstrated significant grassroots support and was bolstered by financial backing and endorsements from Senate leadership.
Interestingly, the district has shown a tendency to favor Democratic candidates, having leaned towards 2024 presidential nominee Kamala Harris over Republican nominee Donald Trump by 11 points in the last election. Famiglietti’s strong ties to the community and understanding of local issues resonated with voters, a sentiment reflected in a news release from the state’s top Democratic leaders. They praised Famiglietti’s commitment to public service, which they believe aligns closely with the values of his predecessor, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.
Famiglietti’s journey to this position included overcoming challenges in a multi-candidate Democratic primary held in July. Senate District 4 encompasses most of North Providence and portions of northwestern Providence. After his victory, Famiglietti expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his dedication to being accessible and responsive to the needs of residents in his district.
This electoral win signifies both continuity and stability in the Democratic leadership of the Rhode Island Senate, and it sets a hopeful tone as Famiglietti prepares to address the priorities and concerns of his constituents.