A special election in the U.S. State of Rhode Island was held August 5, 2025, to elect a new member for District 4 in the Rhode Island Senate, representing part of North Providence. The election filled the vacancy caused by the death of longtime Democratic state senator and president Dominick J. Ruggerio, who died on April 21, 2025. Primary elections were held on July 8. The Democratic nominee, North Providence Councilmember Stefano Famiglietti, defeated his Republican opponent, attorney Alex Asermely, in an overwhelming landslide of more than two-thirds of the vote.
Procedure and background
Under state law, vacancies in the Rhode Island Legislature are filled by special election. The Rhode Island Secretary of State is required to schedule an election between 70 and 90 days of the initial vacancy. If the vacancy took place after the first Monday of February during a general election year, the special election must be held in tandem with the general election. The elected legislator will serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
The election was made necessary by the death of Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio after his death from cancer on the morning of April 21, 2025. He had represented the 4th district since 2005, but served in the legislature continuously since 1981. He served as majority leader from 2009 to 2017, and served as President of the Rhode Island Senate from 2017 until his death. A new leader for the Senate presidency will also need to be held. Before the vacancy, Democrats dominated the legislature 34 to 4 Republicans, so the special election will not significantly affect the balance of power in the chamber.
As of April 2025, registered voters affiliated with the Democratic Party heavily outnumber registered Republicans. Of the 21,295 registered voters, 9,679 or 45.5% are registered Democrats, 2,390 or 11.2% are registered Republicans, and 9,226 or 43.3% have no partisan affiliation.
Previous results (2004–present) Year Democrats Opponents 2024 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 10,736 94.87% Write-in 580 5.13% 2022 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 6,892 93.00% Write-in 519 7.00% 2020 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 9,590 94.01% Write-in 611 5.99% 2018 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 7,293 95.92% Write-in 310 4.08% 2016 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 8,485 95.78% Write-in 374 4.22% 2014 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 6,443 96.48% Write-in 235 3.52% 2012 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 7,039 66.32% John D. Ricottilli (Ind.) 2,924 27.55% Michael J. Rollins (Lbt.) 614 5.79% Write-in 36 0.34% 2010 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 5,360 65.99% Thomas J. Rossi (Ind.) 2,762 34.01% 2008 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 7,759 70.05% Christine C. Spaziano (Rep.) 3,318 29.95% 2006 Dominick J. Ruggerio (i) 7,417 78.90% Gary G. Jerejian (Rep.) 1,983 21.10% 2004 Dominick J. Ruggerio 8,022 78.54% Eze Aso (Rep.) 2,192 21.46% Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Stefano Famiglietti, North Providence Councilmember from the 2nd district
Eliminated in primary Lenny Cioe, nurse and candidate for this seat in 2020, 2022, and 2024 Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, former state representative from the 5th district (2017-2023) Manny Taveras, account executive and brother of former Mayor of Providence Angel Taveras
Endorsements
Results
+ Results by town Town Cioe Famiglietti Ranglin-Vassell Taveras Total Providence 27 11.25% 67 27.92% 136 56.67% 10 4.17% 240 North Providence 254 11.52% 1,597 72.43% 246 11.16% 108 4.90% 2,205
Republican primary Candidates Nominee Alex Asermely, attorney
Independents Candidates Withdrawn Stephen Tocco, former Smithfield Councilmember, Democratic candidate for this district in 2022, and perennial candidate
General election Results
+ Results by town Town Famiglietti Asermely Total Providence 88 89.80% 10 10.20% 98 North Providence 1,618 83.36% 323 16.64% 1,941
See also 2025 United States state legislative elections
References
External links Voter Information Center (Rhode Island Secretary of State) Rhode Islands's 4th Senate district (Ballotpedia)