Three Democrats have announced campaigns for the state Senate being vacated by former Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed.
No Republicans have unveiled runs yet. State GOP Chairman Brandon Bell said Michael Smith, who ran a competitive race against Paiva Weed in 2014, is among the Repulicans considering a run.
On the Democratic side, the candidates are Newport City Councilor John Florez; lawyer and activist Dawn Euer; and David Allard, a former aide to Governor Gina Raimondo who now directs a 3rd-grade reading program for the state Department of Education.
State law calls for a special legislative election at least 70 and not more than 90 days from when a vacancy opens, unless it is doubtful whether the winner can serve as a member at that session.
Paiva Weed announced last week she was stepping down as Senate president to become president of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. She is expected to resign her state Senate seat later this week.
Florez is the founder of a technology company in Newport, Drupal Connect. In announcing his run, he said in a statement, “One of the greatest honors of my life was awarded to me by the people of Newport when you trusted me to represent you as an at-large City Councilor over the past two and a half years. The opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much has been beyond rewarding. During my tenure as a Newport City Councilor, I’m proud of the advances we’ve made and the bold initiatives we’ve implemented. I truly believe we have made Newport a better city to live, work and raise a family. I also believe that I can serve the people of Newport in a greater capacity as your next State Senator. That’s why today I’m formally declaring my candidacy for the Rhode Island State Senate from the 13th District.”
Euer was among the leaders of Marriage Equality RI, the group that fought for the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013. She points to her ownership of a small business as a skill that will help her to advocate for others. “Every day I meet with community leaders, social entrepreneurs, and others who care deeply about this state and want to see us reach our potential,” Euer said in a statement. “Creative solutions come from bringing all participants to the table and listening to these many perspectives. My experience analyzing problems and bringing diverse voices together will help me be successful in the Rhode Island Senate.”
Allard said his emphasis includes promoting government transparency and strengthening teaching of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. “I’m also committed to making sure there are ample employment opportunities for our residents, particularly recent graduates,” he said. “I well remember the feeling of relocating to Rhode Island many, many years ago with the promise of a teaching job, and the sense of fulfillment and self-respect it afforded me. Anyone wishing a job should know that feeling, and as senator, I’ll work diligently with my fellow colleagues, the governor and the local business community to make sure we explore each and every opportunity for job preservation and growth.”
