Senate Democrats elect Valarie Lawson Majority Leader, Endorse Dominick Ruggerio for Senate President
STATE HOUSE, Providence – The members of the 2025-2026 Senate Democratic Caucus met tonight and elected Senator Valarie J. Lawson as their Majority Leader.
Speaking to her colleagues at the Caucus, Senator Lawson (D – Dist. 14, East Providence) said, “I am deeply humbled by your support, and I will work each day to the best of my ability to live up to the responsibility.”
She continued, “The Senate has long provided strong leadership to address the serious challenges facing our state. I look forward to working with everyone in this room to deliver the results our constituents expect and deserve as we move forward. You each bring different areas of expertise, varied insights, and important perspectives. Tonight, I ask all of you to join us in working together, coming together as a unified Chamber, to address the challenges facing our state and to build upon the progress we have made.”
The Caucus also voted to endorse Senator Dominick J. Ruggerio to another term as President of the Senate. The Senate President is elected by all members of the Senate, including Republicans, on the first day of the new legislative session in January.
Addressing the Caucus, Senator Ruggerio said, “It is truly humbling to receive the endorsement of this Caucus to serve another term as your Senate President. I have tremendous respect and admiration for everyone in this room. The members of this Chamber are leaders of excellence and dedication, each of you committed to making our state an even greater place to live and work. I am honored to serve alongside all of you.”
Senator Ruggerio (D – Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Lawson. “You are a dedicated and principled leader who will help advance the priorities of all the members of this Chamber. I look forward to working alongside you, in partnership with all the members of our Chamber, as a strong and unified Senate, in the upcoming session.”
Senators Lawson and Ruggerio also each outlined some legislative priorities as they look ahead to the 2025 session. Their full remarks are attached.
The Senate is calling it quits for the night as Republicans and Democrats remain dug in as the shutdown rolls on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will return tomorrow, but added it's not certain there will be anything to vote on. Today, Democrats blocked a Republican measure that would pay federal workers while the government remains shut. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said Democrats will sign the GOP House-passed bill to re-open the government if it includes a one-year-Obamacare credit extension. Thune called it a "nonstarter," adding a one-year extension doesn't address the core issues of Obamacare. 
