Democrat Stefano Famiglietti scored a lopsided win Tuesday in the race for the Rhode Island state Senate, getting almost 83% of the vote in a matchup with Republican Alexander Asermely, according to unofficial results.
“I am extremely humbled to have been elected as the District 4 state Senator to serve the community in which I was born and raised,” Famiglietti, a town councilor in North Providence, said in a statement distributed by the state Democratic Party.
Famiglietti will take over the seat formerly held by the late Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who died in April at age 76.
“Just as when I was on the North Providence Town Council, my door will always be open and I will never forget that I am in the Senate to work on behalf of the people of North Providence and Providence,” Famiglietti said. “I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this campaign, first and foremost my wife, Samantha.”
Like Ruggerio, Famiglietti is on the socially conservative side of the Democratic spectrum in the state and his campaign was managed by Ruggerio’s son, Charles Ruggerio.
In a joint statement, Senate President Val Lawson, Majority Leader Frank Ciccone and Majority Whip David Tikoian said Famiglietti’s “deep roots in the community and clear understanding of the priorities of District 4 have resonated with voters, and his commitment to public service is a strong reflection of the values exemplified by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.”
